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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

Immunofluorescence to Monitor the Cellular Uptake of Human Lactoferrin and its Associated Antiviral Activity Against the Hepatitis C Virus
06:28

Immunofluorescence to Monitor the Cellular Uptake of Human Lactoferrin and its Associated Antiviral Activity Against the Hepatitis C Virus

Published on: October 1, 2015

Treatment of hepatitis C virus in elderly persons with interferon alpha

D H Van Thiel1, L Friedlander, P Caraceni

  • 1Oklahoma Transplant Institute, Baptist Medical Center of Oklahoma, Oklahoma City, USA.

The Journals of Gerontology. Series A, Biological Sciences and Medical Sciences
|November 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

Older adults with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can safely receive Interferon alpha (IFN) therapy. Treatment outcomes and side effects are comparable to younger adults, demonstrating IFN

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Geriatric Medicine

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is more prevalent in older adults due to recent screening advancements.
  • Limited treatment options for elderly HCV patients stem from concerns about Interferon alpha (IFN) tolerability.
  • This study addresses the under-treatment of HCV in the elderly population.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Interferon alpha (IFN) treatment in elderly patients with Hepatitis C virus (HCV).
  • To compare treatment outcomes and adverse events in older adults versus younger adults receiving IFN therapy for HCV.

Main Methods:

  • Twenty-five elderly subjects (>65 years) with Ab-HCV positive status received 5 MU Interferon (IFN) TIW for 6 months.
  • A control group of 25 younger adults (mean age 44) matched for gender and histology was used for comparison.
  • Treatment response was categorized as full (normal ALT) or partial (ALT decrease >50%).

Main Results:

  • No significant biochemical differences were observed between elderly and younger adult groups post-treatment.
  • HCV treatment response rates were similar: 48% in the elderly and 41% in younger adults.
  • The elderly group completed therapy without discontinuation, and reported adverse events were comparable to the younger control group.

Conclusions:

  • Elderly individuals with HCV can be effectively treated with Interferon alpha (IFN).
  • Treatment efficacy, in terms of response rates, is consistent between elderly and younger adult populations.
  • The safety profile of IFN therapy is similar in older and younger adults, with comparable rates and types of adverse effects.
Abstract

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