Interferon alfa-2b for decompensated liver disease caused by either chronic hepatitis B or C: preliminary results of a pilot study.

Dimopoulou, Maria; Fafoutis, K; Basiliou, K; Ketikoglou, J.; Karvountzis, G.

doi:10.1136/gut.34.2_suppl.s104

Cited by 8 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…IFN-alfa 2b was given to 12 patients with decompen sated liver disease caused by either chronic hepatitis Β (η = 7) or C (η = 5) for four months in an uncontrolled study. 50 The initial dosage was 1 MU subcutaneously three times weekly for 10 days and was increased to 3 MU three times weekly for four months if clinical and laboratory investigations showed no serious adverse ef fects. Efficacy end points were taken as liver function tests, white blood cell and platelet counts, and clinical status.…”

Section: Interferon In Decompensated Cirrhosismentioning

confidence: 99%

Interferon Therapy in Liver Cirrhosis Type C

Ben-Noun¹

2000

Journal of Pharmacy Technology

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Objective: To review current information on the role of interferon (IFN) therapy in patients with liver cirrhosis type C. Data Sources: All relevant articles from 1989 to December 1998 were identified by a MEDLINE search using the terms interferon treatment and liver cirrhosis. Some studies were identified from bibliographies of selected articles. Study Selection: More than 97 articles were identified. Reports were included if they contained new or relevant information on the hepatitis C virus (HCV), IFN therapy in liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, outcome of cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or adverse effects related to IFN. Abstracts were included only when they added information not otherwise available in the literature. Data Synthesis: Response to IFN is unfavorably influenced by the presence of cirrhosis; there are several other predictors of response. IFN therapy can decrease the risk of development of HCC in some patients. In patients with compensated cirrhosis type C, a higher dosage of IFN-alfa and longer duration of therapy are associated with a better response. Combined therapy with IFN-alfa 2b and ribavirin is more effective than therapy with IFN-alfa alone. Therapy with human lymphoblastoid IFN (L-IFN) produces sustained response rates equivalent to those of recombinant IFN-alfa. Consensus IFN (CIFN) is more effective than IFN-alfa 2b. Larger dosages of CIFN are associated with better results. Normal alanine transaminase concentration and the absence of serum HCV RNA after treatment and again after 24 weeks of observation indicate a successful end point of IFN therapy. Adverse effects related to IFN treatment are usually minor. Conclusions: Although the presence of cirrhosis predicts a poor response to IFN treatment, some patients benefit from this therapy. Reasonable treatment regimens for patients with compensated HCV cirrhosis include IFN-alfa therapy, 6 MU subcutaneously three times weekly for 12 months, L-IFN 3 MU intramuscularly three times weekly for six months, or CIFN 9 or 12 μg subcutaneously three times weekly for six months. Patients receiving IFN should be seen every two to four weeks, with frequent monitoring of complete blood count and serum transaminase concentrations.

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Section: Interferon In Decompensated Cirrhosismentioning

confidence: 99%

Interferon Therapy in Liver Cirrhosis Type C

Ben-Noun¹

2000

Journal of Pharmacy Technology

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“…As stated earlier, IFN‐α is generally contraindicated in individuals with decompensated liver disease. One study of five adults with HCV infection and ascites, hypoalbuminemia, and jaundice showed a decrease in ALT values and clinical symptoms with low‐dose IFN‐α treatment (80); at this time, there are no recommendations for such therapy.…”

Section: Ifn‐α For Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infectionmentioning

confidence: 99%