title: Double-blind study of leucocyte interferon administration in chronic HBsAg-positive hepatitis.
abstract: In a double-blind study human leucocyte interferon was given for six weeks to 8 of 16 patients with chronic HBsAg-positive hepatitis. In the first week 12 x 10(6) reference units were administered daily, and thereafter the dose was halved every week. During the first two weeks leucopenia was observed in 6 of the 8 interferon-treated patients. Apart from a drop in DNA-polymerase activity in the first week, no effect was found on indices of hepatitis-B-virus infection.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002457:Cell Extracts / Q000008:administration & dosage; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000201:enzymology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007273:Injections, Intramuscular; D007372:Interferons / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D007962:Leukocytes; D007970:Leukopenia / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019384:Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors; D012107:Research Design; D013997:Time Factors
chemical_list: D002457:Cell Extracts; D019384:Nucleic Acid Synthesis Inhibitors; D007372:Interferons; D004259:DNA-Directed DNA Polymerase