Differential effects of fibroblast and leucocyte interferon in HBsAg positive chronic active hepatitis

Six patients with hepatitis B surface antigen, hepatitis B 'e' antigen positive chronic active hepatitis, and elevated hepatitis B specific DNA polymerase activity were treated sequentially with fibroblast and leucocyte interferon. Fibroblast interferon induced a fall in serum transaminase activities in all patients, whereas a consistent decline in DNA polymerase activity was observed during leucocyte interferon administration only. After treatment one patient remained persistently DNA polymerase and hepatitis B 'e' antigen negative, whereas relapse to initial values occurred in others. Side effects included severe but reversible granulocytopenia, and chills responding to promethazine treatment. The differential biologies with their non-identity in in vitro studies.