Alpha interferon treatment of chronic hepatitis C in beta-thalassaemia.
In this open, pilot study, interferon (IFN) alpha-2b seemed effective in the treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients with beta-thalassaemia. In seven of nine patients who completed the study alanine aminotransferase activities returned to normal, and a completely stable response 24 months after treatment was seen in five. Liver biopsy specimen showed a clear reduction in portal, periportal, and lobular necroinflammation in all five cases. Three patients stopped treatment early because of side effects.
Di Marco
V
V
Clinica Medica R and Anat Patologica, Ospedale Cervello, Palermo, Sicily, Italy.
Lo Iacono
O
O
Capra
M
M
Grutta
S
S
Ciaccio
C
C
Gerardi
C
C
Maggio
A
A
Renda
D
D
Almasio
P
P
Pisa
R
R
D000293:Adolescent; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases / Q000097:blood; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000150:complications* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D001219:Aspartate Aminotransferases