TREATMENT WITH INTERFERON(S) OF COMMUNITY-ACQUIRED CHRONIC HEPATITIS AND CIRRHOSIS TYPE-C

Two hundred and thirty-four patients with chronic non-A, non-B hepatit is, 86% Positive for anti-HCV by ELISA, were treated with recombinant interferon-alpha2a or with natural (human-leukocytes-derived) interfer on-alpha using different dosage and periods of administration. Interim analysis of follow-up data indicate that 65-70% of patients treated i nitially with 6 MU, thrice weekly, of recombinant interferon-alpha2a a chieved a complete biochemical response (normalization of alanine amin otranferase: ALT) during therapy compared to 56-58% of those treated w ith 3 MU, thrice weekly, of recombinant or natural interferon-alpha. A 12-month schedule of interferon administration appeared superior to a 6-month schedule in reducing the probability of reactivation of liver disease after therapy withdrawal, although further data are needed to confirm such a conclusion. The probability of response to interferon in terms of maintaining normal ALT after withdrawal did not appear to be influenced by sex, while it was significantly higher in patients ag ed below 45 years and in those without cirrhosis.