Recombinant alpha-interferon treatment of non-A, and non-B (type C) hepatitis: review of studies and recommendations for treatment.
Non-A, non-B (type C) hepatitis is a serious world problem which typically results in chronic hepatitis and may lead to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. alpha-Interferon has recently been studied in a number of randomized controlled trials throughout the world. The results of those studies are reviewed here. ALT levels were normalized by 2-3 MU recombinant interferon alfa-2b, three times per week s.c. for 6 months (p less than 0.001 vs. control) in 36% of patients in five trials. Biopsy tests also demonstrated histological improvement in lobular and periportal inflammation. Unfortunately, relapse is a common problem in these studies, occurring in 49% of patients treated with 3 million units and 57% of those treated with 1 million units. Retreatment usually brings remission once again. In the future, long-term studies will further elucidate the natural history of the disease and documented guidelines for interferon dosage and duration of dosing in a wider range of patient subgroups will become available.
Davis
G L
GL
Department of Medicine, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville 32610.
D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000191:economics / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D014481:United States
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins