[Recombinant interferon alfa in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C]

Chronic hepatitis C usually progresses to cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma. Treatment with antiviral drugs is indicated attempting to modify the evolution of the disease.

To evaluate the treatment of chronic hepatitis C or post-hepatitis C cirrhosis with interferon-a-R (IFN) and to identify the factors associated with good therapeutic result.

Thirty eight patients with chronic hepatitis C or post-hepatitis C cirrhosis were treated with 2.5 or 3.0 MU of IFN three times a week for 6 to 12 months. We considered as a complete and sustained response when ALT and AST were normal for a 6 months period after finishing treatment. We considered complete response with relapse those in whom elevation of the enzymes was detected after drug suspension.

There was normalization of ALT and AST in 17 out of 38 patients (44%). In this group, 9 out of 17 presented a complete and sustained response and in 8 out of 17 there was elevation of the enzymes after drug interruption. There was a trend of better response to interferon in patients below 40 years of age and in those with chronic active hepatitis. The most frequent side effects were fever (80%), myalgia (60%), asthenia (50%), headache (40%), and arthralgia (36%).

Treatment with interferon showed a satisfactory and sustained response in 23% of the subjects, with better results in young patients and without cirrhosis.