Marked Elevation of Erythrocyte Ribavirin Levels in Interferon and Ribavirin-Induced Anemia

Background & Aims: To elucidate the effects of blood ribavirin disposition on ribavirin-induced anemia, the relationship between erythrocyte ribavirin concentration and change in hematologic parameters was examined in interferon and ribavirin combination therapy for HCV eradication. Methods: Nine HCV RNA-positive patients were treated with combination therapy including 11.3 +/- 1.2 mg . kg(-1) . day(-1) of ribavirin. Blood concentrations of ribavirin and its phosphorylated metabolites were measured in plasma as well as erythrocyte. Results: Blood ribavirin concentrations gradually increased to steady-state levels of 8.8 +/- 1.4 mu mol/L and 1389 +/- 371 mu mol/L in plasma and erythrocytes, respectively, within 3-4 weeks of initiating therapy. Erythrocyte phosphorylated metabolite levels (1215 +/- 302 mu mol/L) were found to be exceedingly high, i.e., 87% of the measured erythrocyte ribavirin concentration. In contrast, plasma phosphorylated metabolite levels were undetectable. Positive correlation was found to exist between erythrocyte ribavirin concentrations and a decrease in hemoglobin (r = 0.620, P < 0.001). Conclusions: We concluded that marked elevation of erythrocyte ribavirin including its phosphorylated metabolites was associated with hemoglobin reduction, leading to interferon and ribavirin-induced anemia.