The role of interferon in the treatment of viral hepatitis.
Chronic viral hepatitis, frequently an asymptomatic disease, can persist for decades. Despite the lack of symptoms, prolonged infection can lead to the complications of cirrhosis, liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. The goal of therapy is to reduce the risk of developing these complications and to eradicate the infectious pool. Patients with ongoing viral replication appear to be at greatest risk for developing complications. These patients have been targeted for treatment. Numerous randomized studies of interferon treatment of chronic hepatitis B and C have been published in the last 8 years. The experience from these studies and more recent developments will be reviewed.
Wong
D K
DK
Toronto Hospital, Western Division, Ontario, Canada.
Heathcote
J
J
D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003699:Hepatitis D / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D000637:Transaminases / Q000097:blood; D014779:Virus Replication / Q000187:drug effects
D007370:Interferon Type I; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D000637:Transaminases