[Virostatic treatment of chronic hepatitis]

Immunosuppressive therapy of viral borne chronic active hepatitis is obsolete, and virostatic therapy with alpha-interferon is under worldwide investigation. The mechanism of and indications for interferon therapy are discussed. Combined therapy may be more effective than monotherapy with interferon, and combined therapy with corticosteroids is now being attempted. Corticosteroids are given as induction therapy, with sudden interruption followed by longterm interferon therapy. The results of several studies of interferon monotherapy in various countries show seroconversion from HBe in 30-50% and conversion from HBs to anti-HBS in 10%. Preliminary results of a pilot study of interferon in chronic active non-A non-B hepatitis show an immediate therapeutic effect and often, regrettably, an equally prompt rebound after interruption of therapy. Controlled therapeutic studies are needed and in progress.