title: Interferons in chronic viral hepatitis.
abstract: Interferons represent the rapid defence system against viral infections. This review describes the types of interferon and their effects on chronic viral hepatitis. The role of interferon therapy for hepatitis B has been intensively evaluated over the last few years. Response rates of approximately 30% can be achieved by a 4- to 6-month course of alpha interferon treatment in non-immunosuppressed Caucasian patients. Assessment of interferon therapy for hepatitis C has had to rely on indirect markers of disease activity. Current data available indicate response rates in terms of aminotransferase activities of about 50% of patients treated. However, relapse after discontinuation of alpha interferon treatment is common. At present there is no valid treatment procedure for chronic hepatitis D infection. Only a minority of patients with chronic hepatitis D appears to benefit even transiently from alpha interferon.
authors.affiliation: Abteilung für Gastroenterologie und Hepatologie, Medizinische Hochschule Hannover.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Müller
mesh_terms: D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000628:therapy*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000628:therapy*; D003699:Hepatitis D / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
chemical_list: D007370:Interferon Type I; D011994:Recombinant Proteins