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High-throughput Quantitative Real-time RT-PCR Assay for Determining Expression Profiles of Types I and III Interferon Subtypes
Published on: March 24, 2015
Interferon for interferon naive patients with chronic hepatitis C
R P Myers1, C Regimbeau, T Thevenot
1Service d'Hepato-Gastroenterologie, Groupe Hospitalier Pitie-Salpetriere, Paris, France. drrobpmyers@hotmail.com
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|June 22, 2002
Summary
Interferon therapy effectively clears the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and improves liver health in treatment-naive patients. Higher doses and longer treatment durations increase efficacy but also adverse events, with similar benefits seen in cirrhotic patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology and Viral Gastroenterology
- Clinical Trial Meta-Analysis
- Pharmacological Efficacy Studies
Background:
- Previous meta-analyses confirmed interferon's efficacy for chronic hepatitis C (HCV) in naive patients.
- Additional clinical trials have since been published, necessitating an updated evaluation.
- This review focuses on interferon's role in treatment-naive chronic HCV patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate interferon treatment response in naive chronic hepatitis C patients.
- To investigate the impact of interferon dose and duration on treatment outcomes.
- To assess treatment response in patients with cirrhosis and normal aminotransferases.
Main Methods:
- Systematic search of Cochrane Controlled Trials Register, MEDLINE, and reference lists.
- Inclusion of randomized clinical trials comparing interferon to placebo or different interferon regimens.
- Primary outcome: sustained disappearance of serum HCV RNA (virologic sustained response).
Main Results:
- Interferon (3 MU thrice weekly for 12 months) significantly increased virologic sustained response (17% vs. 3% in controls).
- Higher doses (6 MU) and longer durations (≥12 months) demonstrated increased efficacy but more adverse events.
- Interferon showed similar benefits in cirrhotic patients, but efficacy was unproven in those with normal aminotransferases.
Conclusions:
- Interferon is effective for viral clearance and improving liver health in naive chronic HCV patients.
- Optimizing dose and duration enhances efficacy, though it correlates with increased adverse events.
- Interferon benefits are comparable in cirrhotic patients; efficacy in normal aminotransferase patients requires further study.
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