Prognostic factors in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B with interferon alpha in children.
One hundred children with chronic hepatitis B, aged 1-17.3 years participated in the study. The results of treatment with interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) were evaluated. An attempt was made to define the factors predicting positive response to treatment. Three million units of IFN-alpha 2a or 2b were given by subcutaneous injections to analysed patients 3 times a week for 20 weeks. Positive treatment outcome reflected in HbeAg elimination was observed in 46% of children. High AlAT activity preceding therapy had a statistically significant effect on positive treatment outcome. The inhibition of HBV replication caused by the treatment was permanent and it coexisted with the normalisation of AlAT activity in blood serum. Full response to therapy with IFN-alpha measured with the elimination of HbeAg and HbsAg was observed in 14% of children. It was favoured by high AlAT activity before treatment and short HBV duration.
Liberek
A
A
Department of Paediatrics, Gastroenterology and Paediatric Oncology, Medical University, Gdańsk, Poland.
Łuczak
G
G
Bako
W
W
Korzon
M
M
Rytlewska
M
M
Sikorska-Wiśniewska
G
G
Szlagatys-Sidorkiewicz
A
A
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D011379:Prognosis; D013997:Time Factors
D016898:Interferon-alpha