CLEARANCE OF CHRONIC HEPATITIS-B VIRUS-INFECTION IN YOUNG-CHILDREN AFTER ALPHA-INTERFERON TREATMENT

Nine children aged 18 months to 17 years (mean, 5.7 years) with chroni c hepatitis B virus infection and chronic active hepatitis were treate d with 5 to 6 million units/m(2) of body surface area of interferon-al pha 2b administered subcutaneously three times per week for 4 months ( n = 1) or 6 months (n = 8). At 12 months after the start of therapy, s ix children less than 3 years of age responded to the treatment (three completely and three partially), whereas only one of three children o lder than 7 years of age responded. We conclude that IFN treatment may be effective in children with chronic HBV infection, especially when administered while they are young.