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[Interferon alfa 2b treatment decreases histological activity in children with chronic hepatitis B]

C Castañeda1, Elsa García, B Grá

  • 1Instituto de Gastroenterología, Ensayos Clínicos, Apartado 6162, CP 10600, Ciudad Habana. clintr@cigbdec.cigb.edu.cu

Acta Gastroenterologica Latinoamericana
|July 26, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Interferon alfa 2b treatment in children with chronic hepatitis B (HBV) showed positive results. The therapy improved liver enzymes, viral markers, and histology, with manageable side effects like fever.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Pediatric Gastroenterology
  • Virology

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis B (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern.
  • Interferon alfa (IFN-alpha) is currently the sole approved therapeutic agent for chronic HBV.
  • Pediatric HBV management requires effective and safe treatment options.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the efficacy of Interferon alfa 2b in pediatric patients with chronic HBV.
  • To evaluate the impact of IFN-alpha 2b on histological, biochemical, and virological markers.
  • To determine the safety and tolerability of IFN-alpha 2b in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A non-controlled study involving 33 pediatric patients with chronic HBV.
  • Treatment administered: Interferon alfa 2b (3-5 x 10^6 IU/m2 body surface, 3 times/week for 4 months).
  • Evaluations included alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), HBsAg, HBeAg, liver biopsy with Knodell index, and clinical follow-up for one year.

Main Results:

  • 39.3% of patients achieved normal ALAT levels post-treatment, rising to 51.5% during follow-up.
  • HBsAg negativity increased from 7% to 11%, and HBeAg negativity from 14.3% to 37.5% post-treatment and during follow-up.
  • Histological analysis showed a decreased Knodell index in 69% of patients, indicating reduced liver inflammation.

Conclusions:

  • Interferon alfa 2b demonstrates efficacy in improving biochemical and virological markers in children with chronic hepatitis B.
  • The treatment led to significant histological improvements, suggesting a reduction in liver damage.
  • Interferon alfa 2b was generally well-tolerated, with fever being the most common adverse event, supporting its use in pediatric HBV management.

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