[Effect of interferon on clinico-laboratory indicators in patients with acute viral hepatitis B]

A study was made of the therapeutic efficacy of human leukocytic alpha-interferon obtained at the N. F. Gamaleya Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology in the treatment of grave viral hepatitis B. The drug was explored in a group comprising 44 patients. Of these, 24 patients made up the main group whereas 20 served as control. The drug was administered according to the following scheme: during the first 3 to 5 days the patients were given it intramuscularly (and intravenously) in a dose of 3 X 10(6)-6 X 10(6) Units followed by the dose reduction and drug administration every other day. As compared with control, the predominating number of the patients treated with the drug manifested a more rapid diminution of the signs of intoxication and normalization of liver function. The plasma interferon content increased. Interferon stimulated the activity of natural killers. The use of the drug is advisable for early treatment of the grave patterns of viral hepatitis B.