gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase as a response predictor when using alpha-interferon to treat hepatitis C.
OBJECTIVE
This study was performed to identify response predictors for Interferon therapy given to patients with chronic hepatitis C.


METHODS
The biochemical measures of liver injury that characterize viral hepatitis due to hepatitis C were followed prospectively in 84 individuals treated with alpha-Interferon. In addition, the liver histology and the hepatic iron content of these same individuals, prior to the initiation of Interferon therapy, were determined.


RESULTS
Patients not responding to the interferon therapy showed an increase in liver iron content from an average of 337 micrograms/g wet weight. In responder to a value of 1075 micrograms/g wet weight in non responders. gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels in responders were significantly lower than in partial or non-responders.


CONCLUSIONS
Both the hepatic iron content of the liver and the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase value prior to treatment were able to predict a clinical response to Interferon therapy. More importantly, the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase level measured in serum could be used to monitor the IFN response during treatment and was found to predict clinical exacerbations of hepatitis following withdrawal of Interferon therapy.
Van Thiel
D H
DH
Oklahoma Tansplant Institute, Baptist Medical Center of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, USA.
Friedlander
L
L
Malloy
P
P
Wright
H I
HI
Gurakar
A
A
Fagiuoli
S
S
Irish
W
W
D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000032:analysis; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D004796:Clinical Enzyme Tests; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D007501:Iron / Q000032:analysis; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase / Q000097:blood*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D015415:Biomarkers; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D007501:Iron; D005723:gamma-Glutamyltransferase