Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice
07:25

Stem Cell-Derived Viral Ag-Specific T Lymphocytes Suppress HBV Replication in Mice

Published on: September 25, 2019

[Haematologic adverse effects of treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B and C]

Stefan Porubcin1, Ivan Schréter, Pavol Kristian

  • 1Clinic of Infectious Diseases, Medical Faculty, Kosice, Slovak Republic. stefan.porubcin@fnlp.sk

Klinicka Mikrobiologie a Infekcni Lekarstvi
|August 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

This study found that while treatments for chronic hepatitis B and C (CHB and CHC) can cause mild hematologic side effects like anemia and low blood counts, they are generally safe for patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Internal Medicine
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and chronic hepatitis C (CHC) are significant global health concerns.
  • Effective antiviral therapies are available but can be associated with adverse events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the incidence and severity of hematologic adverse effects in patients undergoing treatment for CHB and CHC.
  • To assess the safety profile of different treatment regimens for these chronic liver diseases.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 104 CHC and 74 CHB patients treated between 1994 and 2005 was analyzed.
  • Patients were stratified by treatment type (interferon alpha, interferon alpha plus ribavirin, pegylated interferon alpha plus ribavirin) and sex.
  • Hematologic parameters including hemoglobin, neutrophil, and platelet counts were monitored.

Main Results:

  • Anemia occurred in 37.5% (IFN), 56.6% (IFN+RIB), 54.0% (PEG+RIB) of CHC patients, and 24.4% of CHB patients.
  • Anemia was more frequent in women and in patients treated with ribavirin (55.5% vs. 27.9%).
  • Neutropenia and thrombocytopenia were common across treatment groups, with no significant differences between CHC and CHB patients or specific regimens.

Conclusions:

  • Treatments for CHB and CHC are associated with a high incidence of hematologic adverse effects, predominantly mild.
  • Despite observed hematologic changes, the overall treatment appears safe from a hematologic complication standpoint.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Analysis of HBV-Specific CD4 T-cell Responses and Identification of HLA-DR-Restricted CD4 T-Cell Epitopes Based on a Peptide Matrix10:37

Analysis of HBV-Specific CD4 T-cell Responses and Identification of HLA-DR-Restricted CD4 T-Cell Epitopes Based on a Peptide Matrix

Published on: October 20, 2021

Related Concept Videos

Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis01:30

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow01:26

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug binding...
Cytomegalovirus Disease01:27

Cytomegalovirus Disease

Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is caused by human cytomegalovirus, a double-stranded DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. While primary CMV infection is often asymptomatic in immunocompetent individuals, the virus can cause severe disease in neonates and immunocompromised patients. CMV is the most common cause of congenital viral infection in the United States, and a major pathogen in solid organ and hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients.CMV is transmitted via bodily fluids, sexual...
Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors01:22

Antiviral Nucleoside Inhibitors

Antiviral Nucleoside InhibitorsAntiviral nucleoside inhibitors are structural analogs of natural nucleosides that interfere with viral DNA or RNA synthesis. These compounds selectively target viral polymerases due to their resemblance to host nucleosides, thereby disrupting viral genome replication.Mechanism of Acyclovir ActionAcyclovir is a guanosine analog with a three-carbon acyclic side chain. It selectively targets herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2),...