[Induction therapy with interferon alfa-2a in compensated hepatitis C virus-related cirrhosis. Randomized, multicenter study].
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.
Planas
Ramon
R
Hospital Universitari Germans Trias i Pujol. Badalona. BArcelona. Spain. rplanas@ns.hugtip.scs.es
Quer
Juan Carlos
JC
Enríquez
Jaime
J
Barrera
Josep Maria
JM
Dalmau
Blai
B
Casanovas
Teresa
T
Viver
Josep Maria
JM
Torres
Miquel
M
Boadas
Jaume
J
Solà
Ricart
R
Durández
Rosa
R
Richart
Cristóbal
C
Bruguera
Miquel
M
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
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins