The use of recombinant interferon alfa-2b in elderly patients with anti-HCV-positive chronic active hepatitis.
OBJECTIVE
To compare efficacy and tolerance of recombinant interferon alfa-2b in the treatment of anti-HCV-positive chronic active hepatitis (CAH) in subjects aged 65 years and above with those less than 65.


METHODS
A randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Outpatients in two hospitals.


METHODS
65 consecutive outpatients with anti-HCV-positive CAH for 1 to 30 years, having basal aminotransferase levels at least twice the normal value. Those 65 and over were randomized to an interferon group (A, n = 22) or a no-treatment group (B, n = 22). All those under 65 received interferon (group C, n = 21).


METHODS
Interferon at a dose of 3 mU 3 times a week for a 6-month period. A normalization of serum aminotransferase levels was considered a positive response to therapy.


RESULTS
Response to therapy was positive in 62% of the treated elderly compared to 57% of the adults (P = 0.85). The two groups of responders showed a common highly significant reduction of aminotransferase (P < 0.001). Side effects were similar in elderly and young. Two untreated elderly showed spontaneous normalization of aminotransferase.


CONCLUSIONS
Interferon in anti-HCV-positive CAH is useful in the elderly, allowing normalization of aminotransferase, improvement of the histology and remission of the disease in 62% of the cases. Side effects seem to be independent of age. Further studies are required to assess both duration of remission and usefulness of cyclic therapy in previous responders.
Bresci
G
G
Department of Gastroenterology, Santa Chiara Hospital, Pisa, Italy.
Del Corso
L
L
Romanelli
A M
AM
Giuliano
G
G
Pentimone
F
F
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D005260:Female; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013256:Steroids / Q000009:adverse effects; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D013256:Steroids; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases; D000410:Alanine Transaminase