title: [Induction therapy with interferon alfa-2a in compensated hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis. Randomized, multicenter study].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although standard dose interferon (IFN) is successful in only 5% of patients with compensated hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis, it has been suggested that this therapy might decrease the risk of complications or the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma. Based on HCV kinetics, daily IFN may improve response rates.
  
  
  METHODS
  Forty cirrhotic patients were randomised to receive (Group I: 19) or not (Group II: 21) treatment with IFN (4.5 MU/daily for 24 weeks, followed by 4.5 MU/48 hours for a further 24 weeks period, only if ALT was within normal values).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Dose reduction and discontinuation for adverse events was required in 11 (58%) and 6 (31.5%) cases, respectively. End-of-treatment response was not observed in any of the 21 controls but in 4 of the 19 (21%) treated patients (p = 0.04); a sustained response was achieved in only 2 treated patients (10.5%). The 3-year probability of developing any of the following: ascites, hepatocellular carcinoma, transplantation or death was lower in Group I than in Group II (6% vs 27%; p = 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although induction IFN therapy is associated with common side effects and poor sustained response in compensated HCV-related cirrhosis, it might improve the outcome of patients at the medium-term.
authors.affiliation: Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol. Badalona. BArcelona. Spain. rplanas@ns.hugtip.scs.es
authors.forename: Ramon
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Planas
authors.forename: Juan Carlos
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Quer
authors.forename: Jaime
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Enríquez
authors.forename: Josep Maria
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Barrera
authors.forename: Blai
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Dalmau
authors.forename: Teresa
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Casanovas
authors.forename: Josep Maria
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Viver
authors.forename: Miquel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Torres
authors.forename: Jaume
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Boadas
authors.forename: Ricart
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Solà
authors.forename: Rosa
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Durández
authors.forename: Cristóbal
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Richart
authors.forename: Miquel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Bruguera
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008103:Liver Cirrhosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins