V. Carreno et al., Extended follow-up of anti-HBe-positive chronic hepatitis B retreated withribavirin patients with and interferon-alpha, ANTIVIR RES, 52(2), 2001, pp. 147-152
In a pilot study of combination therapy with ribavirin and IFN alpha conduc
ted in anti-HBe-positive individuals with chronic hepatitis B, 21% of patie
nts achieved a sustained ALT normalization and clearance of hepatitis B vir
us (HBV) DNA as measured by PCR. The present work has assessed whether thes
e sustained responses are lasting long-term. In addition, IFN gamma levels
were tested serially in serum as a measure of the immune system activation
during treatment. By extending the post-treatment follow-up period 2 years
the occurrence of delayed HBV DNA relapses was observed. A low serum level
of IFN gamma was detected during and after treatment. IFN gamma demonstrate
d a multiphasic time-course: the amount of IFN gamma increased in parallel
with reductions in HBV DNA but also with ALT flare-ups. In conclusion, the
extended follow-up study of anti-HBe-positive patients after combined treat
ment with ribavirin and IFN alpha has shown that sustained responses are la
sting in 17% patients but also that a late onset HBV DNA relapse may occur.
(C) 2001 Published by Elsevier Science B.V.