Effects of interferon beta on non-A, non-B acute hepatitis: a prospective, randomized, controlled-dose study. Japan Acute Hepatitis Cooperative Study Group.
OBJECTIVE
Non-A, non-B acute hepatitis progresses to a higher incidence of chronicity and hepatocellular carcinoma. To avoid the development of chronic liver disease, resolution of acute hepatitis C might be most effective. The aim was to establish the effect of interferon in disturbing progression to chronicity and to determine the most appropriate treatment protocol.


METHODS
Ninety-seven acute non-A, non-B hepatitis cases were randomly assigned to six different protocols and treated with 8.4-336 MU of interferon; 90 cases were finally completely analyzed. Titers of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and HCV genotypes were determined.


RESULTS
Seventy-four cases were positive for second-generation anti-HCV. Of these, 65 (89%) were positive for HCV RNA. In these 65 cases, the resolution rate was 32%, and this rate was dependent on the total treatment dosage. Only the group treated with 336 MU showed a high (83%; 10/12) resolution rate; the other five groups had 0%-38% resolution.


CONCLUSIONS
Interferon treatment for acute hepatitis C could be regarded as a "vaccinelike" therapy by preventing the development of the virus carrier state.
Takano
S
S
Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kawasaki Chuo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Satomura
Y
Y
Omata
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D005838:Genotype; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D007124:Immunoenzyme Techniques; D016899:Interferon-beta / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000032:analysis; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies; D012367:RNA, Viral; D016899:Interferon-beta