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Interferon-alpha treatment of chronic hepatitis C in children with hemophilia

J S Ko1, Y H Choe, E J Kim

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Korea.

Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition
|February 15, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Interferon-alpha therapy is safe and effective for treating chronic hepatitis C in children with hemophilia. Lower pretreatment hepatitis C virus RNA levels and specific genotypes predict a sustained treatment response.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a primary cause of chronic liver disease in children with hemophilia.
  • This study investigated the long-term effectiveness of interferon-alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis C in this pediatric population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the long-term efficacy of interferon-alpha in children with hemophilia and chronic hepatitis C.
  • To identify factors predicting a sustained virologic response to interferon therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Seventeen Korean children with hemophilia and chronic hepatitis C received interferon-alpha2a (3.7 million units/m2) three times weekly for 6 months.
  • HCV RNA levels were quantified, and HCV genotyping was performed pretreatment.
  • Liver biopsies were conducted.

Main Results:

  • HCV genotypes 1a, 1b, and 2a were identified in 18%, 29%, and 35% of patients, respectively.
  • Interferon-alpha was well-tolerated, with no increase in bleeding frequency.
  • A sustained response was observed in 41% of patients at 3 years post-therapy.
  • Lower pretreatment HCV RNA levels and genotype 2 were associated with sustained response (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

  • Interferon-alpha treatment is safe and effective for chronic hepatitis C in children with hemophilia, yielding sustained responses.
  • Pretreatment HCV RNA levels and viral genotype are potential predictors of sustained response to interferon therapy.
Abstract

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