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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

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[Treatment with interferon of chronic active hepatitis in patients with HIV infection]

A Pizarro Portillo1, B Novella Arribas, J Sanz Sanz

  • 1Servicio de Medicina Interna-Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Madrid.

Anales De Medicina Interna (Madrid, Spain : 1984)
|June 1, 1997
PubMed

Insights

Alpha interferon treatment benefited over half of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients with chronic active hepatitis. Those not improving within six months did not benefit from extended therapy.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Immunology

Context:

  • Chronic active hepatitis in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients presents a complex clinical challenge.
  • Patients with preserved immune function (CD4+ cell counts > 400/mm3) and mild or no symptoms were included.
  • Co-infections with hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis D virus (HDV) were present in the study cohort.

Purpose:

  • To evaluate the effectiveness of alpha interferon treatment in HIV-infected patients with chronic active hepatitis.
  • To assess the impact of treatment duration on therapeutic outcomes.
  • To determine the response rates across different viral hepatitis co-infections.

Summary:

  • Fourteen HIV-infected patients with chronic active hepatitis received six months of alpha interferon therapy.
  • Hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infected patients showed complete normalization of transaminases, with three losing HBeAg.
  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infected patients demonstrated a 50% normalization rate of transaminases.
  • Patients not responding within six months did not benefit from longer treatment durations.
  • Overall, 57% of the studied HIV-infected patients with chronic active hepatitis benefited from interferon treatment, with notable HBeAg reversal.

Impact:

  • Alpha interferon demonstrates efficacy in managing chronic active hepatitis in immunocompetent HIV-infected individuals.
  • Early treatment response is a critical indicator for predicting long-term benefits.
  • Findings support interferon therapy as a beneficial option for specific HIV co-infected populations.

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