TITLE: HIGH DOSAGE ALPHA-INTERFERON FOR TREATMENT OF
CHILDREN AND YOUNG ADULTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C DISEASE
Background There are limited data on the use of high interferon
(IFN) dosage for treatment of children and young adults with
hepatitis C virus infection and in those affected by thalassemia
major (TM).
Objectives. To assess the response of children and young adults
with chronic hepatitis C disease, including those affected by TM,
to high dose natural alpha-interferon (IFN-alpha). To evaluate the
effect of iron overload in response to high dose IFN-alpha in young
chronic hepatitis C virus thalassemia patients.
Methods. We conducted a therapeutic trial of natural IFN-alpha,
using 10 million units/m(2) three times a week for 6 months in 14
chronic hepatitis C patients ages 5 to 28 years; 7 also had TM. The
follow-up period lasted 12 months. Results. Ten patients (73%)
showed normal or nearly normal alanine aminotransferase values at
the end of follow-up (biochemical response), but only five (35%)
were negative for serum hepatitis C virus-RNA (complete
responders). Four of the patients (57%) with TM were sustained
complete responders. No correlation was found between the initial
serum concentration of ferritin and response to IFN therapy.
Patients infected with genotype Ib showed a poor response although
high dose of natural IFN was used.
Conclusions, These results indicate that IFN-alpha can be used
in children and young patients with chronic hepatitis C disease as
well as in those affected by TM. Treatment with high dosage natural
IFN- alpha in children and young adults with hepatitis C infection
does not appear to be more effective than dosages previously
used.
AUTHOR: M RAPICETTA, IST SUPER SANITA, VIROL LAB, VIALE
REGINA ELENA 299 I-00161 ROME, ITALY; SOURCE: PEDIATRIC INFECTIOUS
DISEASE JOURNAL 1997 NOV;16(11):1049-1053
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