Interferon treatment of chronic active hepatitis C in patients with end-stage chronic renal failure

Alpha interferon has been shown to be effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus infection. We studied the efficacy of alpha 2a-interferon in chronic active hepatitis C patients with end-stage chronic renal failure (CRF). Thirteen patients with CRF and 12 patients with a normal renal function were included in the study. The patients received interferon 3 million units three times a week subcutaneously for 6 months. All patients with CRF and 6 patients without CRF had a complete response, defined as a decline in serum alanine aminotransferase levels to the normal range. One patient had a decrease in alanine aminotransferase of more than 50%, and 5 patients were nonresponders. A relapse was observed in 4 patients with and in 4 without CRF. Three patients had renal transplantation, and the alanine aminotransferase levels were normal after 12-14 months. This preliminary study shows that interferon is effective in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C and CRF.