[Histo-pathological evaluation of response to 6 and 12 months of interferon alpha therapy].
OBJECTIVE
Interferon-alfa (IFN-alfa) has recently been introduced for chronic C hepatitis treatment; however, the response rate is merely 25-50%. The aims of this follow-up study were to compare the efficacy of 6 and 12-month IFN-alfa treatment via liver biopsy scores and to evaluate the correlation with the biochemical response.


METHODS
20 chronic C hepatitis patients were studied. 10 patients received IFN-alfa therapy for 6 months, and 10 for 12 months (3 million units three times a week). Liver biopsy material was taken before and after therapy.


RESULTS
There was a significant serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level improvement in both groups, but a significant histological improvement in necroinflammatory activity (grade) occurred only in the 12-month group. The Chevallier stage scores demonstrated a significant progression in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
12-month IFN-alfa treatment affords a better response in the liver histology grade and serum ALT level, but not the stage; a normal ALT does not guarantee hepatitis inactivity. Liver biopsies appear indispensable for monitoring the fibrotic changes in chronic C hepatitis.
Jármay
K
K
I. Belgyógyászati Klinika, Szent-Györgyi Albert Orvostudományi Egyetem Szeged.
Karácsony
G
G
Ozsvár
Z
Z
Nagy
I
I
Lonovics
J
J
Schaff
Z
Z
D000328:Adult; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005260:Female; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D013997:Time Factors
D016898:Interferon-alpha
Krónikus C hepatitis klinikopatológiai képének alakulása 6 és 12 hónapos interferon-alfa kezelést követóen.