Results: Baseline HCV-RNA viral load was similar in SVR, Rel and NR. SVR was significantly lower (18% vs. 57%; p < 0.01) in G1&4 patients. No differences (all median; range) in Child–Pugh (5; 5–12), MELD (13; 10–16) and UKELD (44; 39–50) scores at any point were detected. Baseline median ANC and PLT [both ×109/ml] were lower in NR than SVR and Rel (ANC: 2.43 vs. 3.77 and 3.21; p = 0.03 and PLT: 122 vs. 147 and 156; p =0.05). Baseline Hb levels [g/dl] were similar in all patients, but decreased significantly during therapy at TW4, TW8 and TW12 in SVR than in NR and Rel (TW4: 2 vs. 1 vs. 1.2; p = 0.03; TW8: 2.7 vs. 1.9 vs. 2.2; p = 0.03 and TW12: 3.7 vs. 2.8 vs. 3; p = 0.04). There was no difference in Peg-IFN/Ribavirin dose reductions and use of haematological growth factors between groups. The premature therapy cessation due to side-effects was more frequent in SVR and Rel than NR (38% vs. 38% vs. 9%; p< 0.01). Conclusions: HCV genotype, early decrease in Hb by TW12 (perhaps reflecting inter-individual ribavirin metabolism); and higher baseline ANC and PLT counts were predictive of response in CH-C cirrhosis without portal hypertension.