Objective To investigate the treatment and safety of interferon α plus Ribovirin for chronic hepatitis C after kidney transplantation.   Methods Five patients with chronic hepatitis C after kidney transplantation were administered with interferon α (50 μg) subcutaneously once a week

plus Ribovirin (600 mg) orally once daily. The levels of HCV-RNA

ALT and serum creatinine in patients’ serum were monitored monthly.   Results Four in 5 patients presented normal ALT and negative HCV-RNA in serum 12 weeks after treatment

and obtained sustained viral response 24 weeks after interferon α plus Ribovirin therapy. During treatment

renal graft rejection did not occur. The most frequent side-effects were the decrease of leukocyte and hemoglobin

myalgia and fever

but did not influence the course of treatment.   Conclusion Combination of interferon α with Ribovirin can be a valid therapeutic option in renal transplant recipients with hepatitis C

and shows no influence on the renal function.