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Histological evaluation of the response to interferon-alpha therapy in chronic hepatitis C
K Jármay1, G Karácsony, Z Ozsvár
1First Dept. of Internal Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical University, Szeged, Hungary.
Background And Aims:
The response rate of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha), recently introduced in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, is merely 25-50%. The aims of this follow-up study were to compare the efficacy of 6 and 12-month IFN-alpha treatment via liver biopsy scores and to evaluate the correlation with the biochemical response.
Patients And Methods:
Twenty chronic hepatitis C patients were studied; 10 received IFN-alpha therapy for 6 months and 10 for 12 months. Liver biopsy material was taken before and after therapy.
Results:
There was a significant serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level improvement in both groups, but a significant histological improvement in necroinflammatory activity (grade) only in the 12-month group. The Chevallier stage scores demonstrated a significant progression in both groups.
Conclusions:
Twelve-month IFN-alpha treatment affords a better response in the liver histology grade and serum ALT level, but does not influence the staging; a normal ALT does not guarantee hepatitis inactivity. Liver biopsies appear indispensable for monitoring.