Low-dose leukocyte interferon-alpha therapy in dialysed patients with chronic hepatitis C

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Nephrology
• Virology

Background:

• Kidney failure contraindicates interferon therapy; active chronic hepatitis is incompatible with kidney transplantation.
• Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant concern in patients with chronic kidney disease requiring dialysis.
• Investigating safe and effective treatments for chronic hepatitis C in pre-transplant dialysis patients is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of leukocyte interferon-alpha in patients with chronic active hepatitis C undergoing pre-transplant dialysis.
• To assess the impact of interferon therapy on viral load, liver enzymes, and histological features of hepatitis C in this specific patient population.

Main Methods:

• Ten patients with persistently high ALT levels received leukocyte interferon-alpha (1 MU thrice weekly) for one year.
• Monitoring included viral load (HCV-RNA), ALT levels, blood/urine tests, hepatitis stage, and drug tolerance.
• A follow-up period of six months was conducted post-treatment.

Main Results:

• Two patients achieved long-term normalization of ALT, negative HCV-RNA, and histological improvement.
• Four patients relapsed after initial response; three showed no response.
• One patient discontinued treatment due to intolerance; relapsed patients receiving a higher dose showed improvement in one case.

Conclusions:

• Leukocyte interferon-alpha demonstrated a 30% overall therapeutic response rate in dialyzed patients with chronic hepatitis C.
• Interferon therapy can be beneficial in preparing dialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C for kidney transplantation.
• Further research may optimize interferon dosing and treatment protocols for this challenging patient group.