Efficacy of consensus interferon in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C
Journal
Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology (Australia)
Journal Volume
15
Journal Issue
12
Pages
1418-1423
Date Issued
2000
Author(s)
Abstract
Background and Aims: Consensus interferon (CIFN) is a newly developed type I interferon. The aim of this study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of CIFN in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C and to determine the predictors for sustained response. Methods: Patients were randomized to receive 3 μg or 9 μg CIFN three times a week for 24 weeks, followed by 24 weeks of observation. Efficacy was assessed by normalization of serum transaminase levels and disappearance of serum hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA at the end of treatment and at 24 weeks after stopping treatment. Histologic response was defined as a decrease of at least two points in the Knodell necroinflammatory score at week 48 and was compared with baseline. Results: There were no serious adverse effects related to CIFN therapy. Overall, 44% of patients receiving 3 μg and 48% of patients receiving 9 μg had normalization of serum transaminase levels and disappearance of HCV viremia at the end of treatment. At 24 weeks after stopping treatment, 16% of patients in receiving 9 μg and 12% of patients receiving 3 μg had sustained responses. The histologic responses in patients receiving 9 μg and those receiving 3 μg were 60% and 36%, respectively. The necroinflammatory score was significantly reduced from baseline to week 48 in both groups. In addition, bodyweight < 60 kg and pretreatment serum HCV-RNA level < 0.5 MEq/mL can serve as predictors for sustained response to CIFN treatment. Conclusions: These findings suggest that 9 μg CIFN is safe and effective in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C. ? 2000 Blackwell Science Asia Pty Ltd.
SDGs
Other Subjects
aminotransferase; consensus interferon; virus RNA; adult; aminotransferase blood level; arthralgia; article; body weight; chronic hepatitis; clinical article; clinical trial; controlled clinical trial; controlled study; dose response; drug efficacy; drug safety; drug tolerability; fatigue; female; hepatitis C; Hepatitis C virus; human; human tissue; male; priority journal; randomized controlled trial; scoring system; viremia
Publisher
Blackwell Publishing
Type
journal article