Antiviral activity of amantadine in elderly patients with chronic hepatitis C

Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a worldwide problem of pub lic health. Epidemiological studies have shown a significant higher prevale nce of infection in the elderly. Amantadine is an antiviral agent active ag ainst the influenza A virus that has been used in cases of chronic hepatiti s C. Objectives: To evaluate the antiviral activity and the safety of amant adine (200 mg daily for 6 months) in elderly patients with chronic hepatiti s C. Methods: The study group consisted of 23 consecutive patients over 65 years suffering from chronic hepatitis C. Aminotransferase (ALT) levels wer e tested at baseline, at 15 days and then monthly until the end of therapy. HCV genotype was determined at baseline. A quantitative HCV-RNA measuremen t was performed at baseline, at 15 days and at the 1st, 3rd and 6th month o f treatment. Results: 13 males and 10 females were enrolled (mean age 70.1 +/- 3.4 years; range: 65-75). The mean ALT levels did not change significan tly during therapy except in 1 patient subsequently returned normal. The HC V-RNA remained detectable in all patients, but a significant difference in response was observed in patients infected by genotype 1b. Conclusions: Our results confirm the antiviral activity of amantadine against HCV, mainly f or genotype lb with initial high viral load. No consistent effects on amino transferases were observed. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.