Effect of alpha-interferon treatment on serum ALT levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C

Lee, Heon Ju

Abstract

The prognosis of chronic hepatitis C is very variable. In some, the disease is progressive and cirrhosis can develop from chronic hepatitis C. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) may act as a trigger towards hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with cirrhosis. Interferon has been used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C in abroad. 16 patients with chronic C liver disease were treated with alpha-interferon (alfa-2b : "Intron A" Schering Corp. Kenilworth, NJ). All patients were given alpha-interferon in subcutaneous doses of 3 million units three times weekly for 1 to 9 months. During therapy, CBC and ALT levels were checked weakly to monthly. After therapy,. patients were followed for 1 to 8 months. Among 16 patients treated with alpha-interferon, progressive decrease of ALT levels was observed in 14 (87.5%). In 11 patients (68.8%), ALT levels fell into the normal range during therapy, and in 9 of 11, within one month after therapy. 6 months after the completion of therapy in 4 of 9 patients (44.4%) whose ALT levels were in the normal range. alpha-interferon seems to have effect in controlling disease activity in patients with chronic hepatitis C. But the changes in the usage of alpha-interferon, dose and duration, long term follow up and more convenient and simple tests for HCV detection are recommended for the better effect and the exact evaluation on the effect of alpha-interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C.