[Cytokines and hepatitis].
Interferon is presently the treatment of chronic liver infection with hepatitis B and C viruses. Major advances have been made in the field of hepatitis B virus with interferon, which is able to clear viral replication in 30 to 40% of the cases. Interferon is also efficient in the treatment of hepatitis C chronic infections, normalizing transaminase activity in 60 to 70% of the patients, but a relapse is observed after interruption of treatment, and a sustained remission is obtained in only 20% of the cases. These results demonstrate the need for further clinical research to elucidate the precise indications of this treatment.
Degos
F
F
Service d'hépatologie, hôpital Beaujon, Clichy.
D002455:Cell Division; D016174:Hepacivirus; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D007372:Interferons