[Therapy of chronic non-A, non-B hepatitis with interferon]

Alpha interferon, administered at a dose of 1 to 3 million units three times a week over a period of 24 weeks, leads to normalization of the transaminases in about 50% of patients with chronic hepatitis C. About 50% of the initial responders experience a recurrent increase in transaminases (relapse). Thus, about 20% to 25% of chronic hepatitis C patients show a lasting response to treatment with alpha interferon. A better understanding of HCV replication and the effect of interferon might possibly lead to improvements in treatment resulting in a higher response and lower relapse rates. Side effects of alpha interferon are generally mild and reversible on termination of treatment. At present, alpha interferon cannot be recommended for asymptomatic patients or those with slowly progressive liver disease.