PMID: 9180949Jan 1, 1996Paper

Interferon alfa in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C: course of 24 versus 48 weeks. Results of a randomized trial

Acta gastroenterologica Latinoamericana
E FassioE Alvarez

Abstract

The aim of this trial was to investigate if a more prolonged course of interferon (IFN) is able to increase the long-term benefit in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Forty-four patients with active chronic hepatitis and antibodies to HCV were randomly assigned to receive IFN-alfa 2b 3 MU t.i.w. during 24 weeks (group I, n 23) or during 48 weeks (group II, n 21). In the evaluation of results, complete response was considered when the ALT values returned to normality during the treatment; and sustained response, when the ALT values persisted below normal range during at least 6 months post therapy. Histologic changes were compared by using the Histological Activity Index, or Knodell score. Viremia status was evaluated for the study of HCV RNA (by nested-RT-PCR). There were no significant differences between both groups before treatment, in terms of age, sex, ALT, or histologic findings (11 patients in group I, and 7 in group II had cirrhosis). Complete response was found in 9 patients (39.1%) from group I; in 11 (52.4%) from group II (NS). Basal histologic findings were identified as the only predictive factor of complete and sustained response, by logistic regression analysis. Considering only noncirrhotic patients, complete r...Continue Reading

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