Natural beta interferon in acute type-C hepatitis patients: a randomized controlled trial.
| Autor: | Calleri G; Department of Infectious Diseases, Amedeo di Savoia Hospital, Torino, Italy., Colombatto P, Gozzelino M, Chieppa F, Romano P, Delmastro B, Macor A, Cariti G, Brunetto MR, Grillone W, Bonino F |
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| Jazyk: | angličtina |
| Zdroj: | Italian journal of gastroenterology and hepatology [Ital J Gastroenterol Hepatol] 1998 Apr; Vol. 30 (2), pp. 181-4. |
| Abstrakt: | Aim of the Study: A multicentre randomized controlled trial to assess whether a short course of beta-interferon could reduce the rate of chronic evolution of acute hepatitis C, in line with recent observations, was started in Northern Italy in 1991. Methods: Forty acute hepatitis C patients were randomized to receive natural beta interferon 3,000,000 international units intramuscularly three times a week for 4 weeks or symptomatic drugs, and were followed up for a median period of 22.5 months. Results: The chronicity rate was 75% (15/20 patients) in the interferon-treated group, and 80% (16/20) in the untreated group. No difference in the duration of the acute phase of hepatitis was observed. Hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid was determined in 21 cases and was positive in 19 cases at baseline and in 15/17 chronic and 1/4 non chronic cases at the end of follow-up. Side effects of therapy (flu-like syndrome in 40% of cases) were mild and short-lasting. No aminotransferase flare-ups were observed during treatment. Conclusions: Beta interferon at the suggested regimen is well tolerated but does not seem to significantly influence the natural course of acute hepatitis C. |
| Databáze: | MEDLINE |
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