Histological evaluation of the response to interferon-alpha therapy in chronic hepatitis C.
OBJECTIVE
The response rate of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), recently introduced in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, is merely 25-50%. The aims of this follow-up study were to compare the efficacy of 6 and 12-month IFN-alpha treatment via liver biopsy scores and to evaluate the correlation with the biochemical response.


METHODS
Twenty chronic hepatitis C patients were studied; 10 received IFN-alpha therapy for 6 months and 10 for 12 months. 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) only in the 12-month group. The Chevallier stage scores demonstrated a significant progression in both groups.


CONCLUSIONS
Twelve-month IFN-alpha treatment affords a better response in the liver histology grade and serum ALT level, but does not influence the staging; a normal ALT does not guarantee hepatitis inactivity. Liver biopsies appear indispensable for monitoring.
Jármay
K
K
First Dept. of Internal Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University, Szeged, Hungary.
Karácsony
G
G
Ozsvár
Z
Z
Nagy
I
I
Schaff
Z
Z
Lonovics
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D000410:Alanine Transaminase