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Alpha lymphoblastoid interferon and acyclovir for chronic hepatitis delta.
L Berk1, R A de Man, C Housset
1Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Rotterdam.
Progress in Clinical and Biological Research
|January 1, 1991
Summary
Alpha lymphoblastoid interferon and acyclovir treatment reduced hepatitis D virus (HDV) antigen in chronic hepatitis D patients. While some patients achieved remission, others showed persistent liver inflammation, indicating a need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis D (CHD) is a serious liver disease with limited treatment options.
- Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection leads to significant liver damage and increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Current therapies for HDV infection have shown modest efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of alpha lymphoblastoid interferon combined with acyclovir in treating chronic hepatitis D.
- To assess the impact of this combination therapy on viral markers and liver inflammation.
Main Methods:
- Ten patients with chronic hepatitis D were treated for 4 months.
- Treatment involved alpha lymphoblastoid interferon and two 2-week courses of acyclovir.
- Hepatitis D antigen (HDAg) expression in hepatocytes and AST levels were monitored.
Main Results:
- Median HDAg-positive hepatocytes decreased from 11% to 1% (p = 0.0225).
- Five patients cleared HDAg, with four achieving normal AST levels and reduced liver inflammation.
- One patient experienced complete biochemical remission of liver disease.
- Five patients with persistent HDAg showed ongoing liver cell destruction.
Conclusions:
- Combination therapy with alpha lymphoblastoid interferon and acyclovir can reduce viral load and inflammation in chronic hepatitis D.
- HDAg clearance correlates with improved liver function and biochemical remission.
- Acyclovir did not demonstrate an enhancing effect on interferon therapy for this condition.