ISSN:
1432-1440
Keywords:
Hepatitis C virus RNA
;
Polymerase chain reaction
;
Quantitative liver function
;
Galactose elimination capacity
;
Randomized controlled trial
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Summary In this randomized, controlled multicenter trial we evaluated the effects of recombinant interferon-α2b on galactose elimination capacity and histological activity index in 88 patients with chronic active hepatitis non-A/non-B. Forty-five patients were randomly assigned to treatment with interferon at 1.5 × 106 U three times per for 1 year; 43 patients were assigned to no treatment. A complete response (normalization of alanine aminotransferase) was observed, respectively, in 47% and 5% of the two groups (P〈0.006); 47% of these patients suffered a relapse. Thus 22% of patients had a sustained response. Histological activity decreased significantly in responders (P〈0.04) while the biopsy score did not change significantly in nonresponders. In contrast, galactose elimination capacity — a surrogate marker for survival in chronic active hepatitis — was not affected by response to treatment. None of the parameters evaluated, including hepatitis C virus RNA, was able to predict response or relapse. We conclude that low-dose interferon treatment for 1 year is as effective as the recommended treatment schedule.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF00185598
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