ISSN:
1432-1076
Keywords:
Key words HCV antibody
;
HCV RNA
;
HCV genotype
;
Post-transfusion hepatitis
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Twenty-two children with chronic hepatitis serologically positive for hepatitis C virus (HCV) were treated with interferon-α (IFN-α). Liver biopsy showed chronic active hepatitis in 13 and chronic persistent hepatitis in 9 patients. A sustained clearance of HCV was observed in 8/22 children 12 months after the administration of IFN-α for 26 weeks, associated with normalization of HCV core antibody. Of these eight patients six had HCV genotype III and two HCV genotype II or IV. Hepatitis relapsed in seven other patients after completion of IFN-α with an increase in HCV core antibody titre, five with HCV genotype II, and two with HCV genotype III or IV. A second course of IFN-α suppressed the reactivation of HCV in all seven patients. Three of seven responders who relapsed after the first course remained negative for HCV RNA 12 months after their second course of IFN-α. However, the remaining four patients with HCV genotype II again relapsed after completing their second course of IFN-α. Seven children with the HCV genotype II resistant to IFN, including 8 weeks of IFN-β administration, and showed no significant reduction in HCV core antibody titre. Conclusion The genotype of HCV (III) and a reduction in the core antibody titre appear to be useful parameters for predicting the response to IFN-α therapy.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s004310050694
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