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Published on: August 23, 2016
Effects of interferon beta on non-A, non-B acute hepatitis: a prospective, randomized, controlled-dose study. Japan
S Takano1, Y Satomura, M Omata
1Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Kawasaki Chuo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.
Background/Aims:
Non-A, non-B acute hepatitis progresses to a higher incidence of chronicity and hepatocellular carcinoma. To avoid the development of chronic liver disease, resolution of acute hepatitis C might be most effective. The aim was to establish the effect of interferon in disturbing progression to chronicity and to determine the most appropriate treatment protocol.
Methods:
Ninety-seven acute non-A, non-B hepatitis cases were randomly assigned to six different protocols and treated with 8.4-336 MU of interferon; 90 cases were finally completely analyzed. Titers of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA and HCV genotypes were determined.
Results:
Seventy-four cases were positive for second-generation anti-HCV. Of these, 65 (89%) were positive for HCV RNA. In these 65 cases, the resolution rate was 32%, and this rate was dependent on the total treatment dosage. Only the group treated with 336 MU showed a high (83%; 10/12) resolution rate; the other five groups had 0%-38% resolution.
Conclusions:
Interferon treatment for acute hepatitis C could be regarded as a "vaccinelike" therapy by preventing the development of the virus carrier state.
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