EVALUATION OF ALPHA-INTERFERON FOR THE TREATMENT OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS-B INFECTION IN CHRISTCHURCH

Aim. To evaluate alpha interferon for the treatment of chronic replica tive hepatitis B infection in Christchurch patients. Methods. Ten pati ents were divided into two groups depending upon whether their average pretreatment ALT levels were greater than twice the upper limit of no rmal (group 1, 6 subjects) or less than twice the upper limit of norma l (group 2, 4 subjects). Interferon alpha-2a (4.5 mega units) was admi nistered three times a week for 24 weeks with the addition of a preced ing priming course of prednisone in group 2. Results. At 6 months post treatment only one patient in group 1 had seroconverted (HBeAg to ant i-HBe), however, the remaining five patients seroconverted from 18-32 months after therapy. This response was associated with normalisation of the transaminases and in 5/6 subjects a fall in the HBV DNA levels. In group 2 one subject seroconverted by 6 months despite a shortened course of Interferon. A delayed seroconversion (18 months) was observe d in one patient and another had a partial response with the developme nt of anti-HBe but associated with persistence of HBeAg. The remaining patient has not responded. Conclusions. Interferon alpha-2a was effec tive in promoting a seroconversion HBeAg to anti-HBe in patients with chronic hepatitis B and transaminases elevated to twice the upper limi t of normal, although in most cases this response was delayed. Larger studies will be required to determine the role of steroid priming in t hose with less active disease.