Taste disturbances during therapy with pegylated interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C.

INTRODUCTION: The effectiveness of current standard therapy of chronic hepatitis C with pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin is unsatisfactory and associated with a variety of side effects. In addition to common side effects, appetite disorders and weight loss are universal problems that lead to decreased quality of life. The causes of appetite disorders are not known. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of pegylated interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin therapy on taste sensitivity, hedonic perception of taste sensations, and food preferences.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Nineteen chronic hepatitis C patients infected with genotype 1 HCV participated in the study. All patients received combined therapy with pegylated interferon-alpha 2b and ribavirin in adequate doses. The study included gustatory tests (taste recognition threshold and taste intensity with hedonic perception) using a gustometric method and an evaluation of the pleasure derived from eating. All examinations were performed before therapy and during the thirteenth week of therapy.

RESULTS: After 12 weeks of therapy, patient sensitivity to salty and sweet was significantly decreased (p < 0.05), and bitter was described as being more unpleasant than before the therapy (p < 0.05). Also, the therapy decreased appetite without significant changes in patients' food preferences.

CONCLUSIONS: We found multidirectional taste disturbances during treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. The results may be useful in determining the role of taste in the development of appetite disorders in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin.