ISSN:
1365-2036
Source:
Blackwell Publishing Journal Backfiles 1879-2005
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
The prognosis of chronic hepatitis depends on the progression of hepatic fibrosis.〈section xml:id="abs1-2"〉〈title type="main"〉Aim:To investigate whether the antifibrotic drug colchicine, in combination with interferon-α has a role in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.〈section xml:id="abs1-3"〉〈title type="main"〉Methods:Sixty-five HCV–RNA positive patients with chronic hepatitis were randomized to receive interferon-α, 6 MU t.i.w. for 6 months followed by 3 MU t.i.w. for further 6 months, with or without the adjunct of colchicine, 1 mg o.d., 6 days a week, for 3 years. We report an interim analysis after the first 18 months.〈section xml:id="abs1-4"〉〈title type="main"〉Results:Thirty-four patients received interferon-α and 31 received interferon-α and colchicine. The two groups were comparable for baseline data, including HCV–RNA levels, genotypes and histological grading/staging. Drop-outs and side-effects were similar. The proportion of patients who achieved alanine transaminase normalization or undetectable HCV–RNA at month 6 was higher in the interferon-α (68% and 47%, respectively) than in the interferon-α plus colchicine group (32% and 23%, P=0.004 and P=0.04, respectively). End-of-treatment biochemical and virological response occurred in 41% and 29% of the interferon-α and 19% and 10% of the combination group, respectively (P=0.05 and P=0.05). Sustained biochemical response occurred in 26% of the interferon-α and 6% of the interferon-α plus colchicine group (P=0.03), corresponding percentages of sustained HCV–RNA loss being 21% and 3% (P=0.04).〈section xml:id="abs1-5"〉〈title type="main"〉Conclusions:The combination of colchicine and interferon-α worsens the effectiveness of interferon-α alone in HCV chronic hepatitis. These alarming findings prompted us to interrupt the trial at this stage.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2036.2000.00857.x
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