The efficacy and side effects of interferon alpha 2a (Roferon) on chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Turkish children

Chronic hepatitis B virus infection in children is a progressive disease. T he efficacy of recombinant interferon alpha in the treatment of chronic vir al hepatitis B in children is still inconclusive. We evaluated the efficacy of interferon alpha 2a on 32 children aged 1-14 years with chronic hepatit is B. The children received recombinant interferon alpha 2a 5 megaunits/m(2 ) three times weekly for 6 months. Complete response was seen in 31.2% of p atients. Twenty-two children aged 3-14 years with chronic hepatitis B showi ng the similar characteristics were observed without treatment. Spontaneous seroconversion rate in this group was 4.5% (p < 0.05). The age and sex of the patient, the route of transmission and the duration of HBsAg positivity were not found to be important, whereas mean alanine aminotransferase leve ls of the responders were statistically higher than in the non-responders ( p < 0.05). Early side effects, which include the flu-like symptom complex, were observed in all treated children but generally resolved within 2 weeks of therapy. Among the late side effects, autoimmune side effects manifeste d with the presence of antithyroid antibodies after the cessation of therap y was detected in one child. Two patients experienced seizure disorder duri ng the therapy but have not required anticonvulsant therapy or discontinuat ion of interferon treatment. We conclude that interferon alpha 2a is an eff ective and tolerable form of therapy in children with chronic hepatitis B v irus infection. Nevertheless, we recommend monitoring thyroid function befo re and after treatment as well as being cautious in using this form of trea tment in children with coexistant seizure disorder. (C) 1999 Elsev;ier Scie nce Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.