Course of HCV infections and results of interferon alpha therapy in children with chronic hepatitis C and hemophilia in Poland

In 80% of children with hemophilia treated in our department screening test s showed the presence of antibodies against the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HC V RNA was detected in the serum of 40% of cases. In 17 cases there were per iodic increases in the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity. In these cases liver biopsy was performed after factor concentrate replacemen t. No hemorrhagic complications or pain complaints were reported either dur ing the biopsy or immediately afterwards. In all cases histopathological ex amination revealed mild and minimal chronic hepatitis. Thirteen boys were t reated with interferon alpha (INF alpha). In 3 patients no HCV RNA was dete cted in serum and transaminase activity was normal in the year following in terferon treatment.