An open study of human lymphoblastoid interferon and oral acyclovir in chronic hepatitis B virus infection.
Ten patients were entered into an open study of interferon (IFN) 'induction' and oral acyclovir (ACV) 'maintenance' therapy. They received 5 Mega units (Mu)/m2 IFN by intramuscular injection daily for 3 days, followed by 7.5 Mu/m2 IFN daily for 7 days. IFN therapy was then discontinued and a 6-week course of oral ACV at a dose of 800 mg 4 times daily commenced. At 6 months, 2 patients had become HBeAg-negative and 1 had developed anti-HBe. Elimination of HBeAg in these patients was accompanied by return of serum liver function tests to normal. There was a statistically significant inhibition of DNA polymerase levels after the 1st week of IFN therapy, which then slowly increased to pretreatment values over 8 weeks. There were no significant adverse effects of ACV therapy, while fever, 'flu-like illness', fatigue, anorexia, and leucopenia were the main side-effects observed during the course of IFN which necessitated dose reduction in 7 patients. Combination therapy appears to effectively inhibit viral replication, although the 'maintenance' effect of oral ACV is minimal. A more effective drug to combine with IFN is needed.
D000212:Acyclovir / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000628:therapy*; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects
D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens; D007370:Interferon Type I; D000212:Acyclovir