Clinical and histological evaluation of interferon alfa-2b in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
In a study of 37 patients with hepatitis C (proved histologically) positive chronic hepatitis, a correlation was seen between clinical efficacy and histological improvement after treatment with interferon alfa-2b (3 million units (MU) three times a week for six months plus six months' follow up). Alanine aminotransferase activities became normal in 18 (48%) patients during treatment; at the end of follow up eight (45%) had a continued response to the treatment. Paired liver biopsy specimens showed marked improvements in Knodell index score and portal inflammation in these patients.
Panella
C
C
Department of Gastroenterology, University of Bari, Italy.
Francavilla
A
A
Conte
D
D
Tatulli
I
I
Rubini
F
F
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000201:enzymology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D000410:Alanine Transaminase