A comparative trial of recombinant interferon alpha 2A versus alpha 2 beta on myelosuppression in healthy adult volunteers.
OBJECTIVE
Recombinant interferon (r-IFN) is an antiviral agent used to treat patients with chronic viral hepatitis patients. Unfortunately, the use is often limited due to its myelosuppressive properties. Currently, there are two forms of r-IFN commercially available: r-IFN alpha-2a and rIFN alpha-2b. Although both are thought to be equally effective, a comparative study of their myelosuppressive properties has not been undertaken.


METHODS
In the present study, three groups of healthy adult volunteers (n = 6/group) were randomized to receive a two week course of either r-IFN alpha-2a or r-IFN alpha-2b (5 million units, subcutaneously, thrice weekly) or no treatment. All subjects were then followed for an additional two week post treatment; observation period.


RESULTS
The results of the study revealed that both forms of r-IFN alpha caused a significant and similar decrease in white blood cell counts (maximum declines of 37.9 +/- 6.8% for alpha-2a and 39.5 +/- 6.0% for alpha-2b at day 4) and platelet counts (maximum declines of 19.5 +/- 8.6% for alpha-2a and 20.2 +/- 8.4% for alpha-2b at day 2) from baseline values. Following discontinuation of therapy, white blood cell and platelet counts returned to pretreatment levels. Hemoglobin levels remained unchanged throughout the study period.


CONCLUSIONS
The results of this study indicate that r-IFN alpha causes a prompt and significant decrease in white blood cell and platelet counts. However, no differences exist between r-IFN alpha-2a and r-IFN alpha-2b in terms of their myelosuppressive properties in humans.
Wong
S
S
Department of Medicine, University of Manitoba Winnipeg, Canada.
Kaita
K
K
Gauthier
T
T
Jones
S
S
Minuk
G Y
GY
D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001853:Bone Marrow / Q000187:drug effects*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D010976:Platelet Count; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D006454:Hemoglobins; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins