Back to Search
Start Over
Twice-daily administration of interferon-beta for chronic hepatitis C is not superior to a once-daily regimen.
- Source :
-
Journal of gastroenterology [J Gastroenterol] 2001 Apr; Vol. 36 (4), pp. 242-7. - Publication Year :
- 2001
-
Abstract
- Purpose: Although interferon (IFN) is commonly used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, eradication of the virus occurs in only a small proportion of patients with genotype 1b and a high virus titer. Modified IFN therapies have been tried, with only limited benefit. Recently, the administration of IFN-beta twice per day has been reported to be more effective than the usual once-daily administration regimen. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether twice-daily IFN results in a sustained response in patients with chronic HCV infection with genotype 1b, and a high virus titer.<br />Methods: Twenty patients with genotype 1b and high HCV RNA level (more than 1 MEq/ml by branched DNA probe assay) were randomly assigned to receive either twice-daily 3 MU of IFN beta (group A) or once-daily 6 MU of IFN-beta (group B) for 4 weeks. All patients received a further daily dose of 6 MU IFN-beta for 12 weeks, followed by IFN-alfa three times a week for 16 weeks.<br />Results: Although a rapid fall in HCV RNA levels was noted in group A, a sustained response was observed in only one of nine patients in this group, and none of group B. Adverse effects of IFN were more frequent and pronounced in group A than in group B.<br />Conclusions: We conclude that further modification, which combines the early strong anti-viral effects of the twice-daily regimen with long-term sustained response, is necessary for effective therapy of HCV patients with genotype 1b and high HCV RNA levels.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Alanine Transaminase blood
Antiviral Agents therapeutic use
Drug Administration Schedule
Female
Humans
Interferon-alpha therapeutic use
Interferon-beta therapeutic use
Male
RNA, Viral blood
Antiviral Agents administration & dosage
Hepatitis C, Chronic drug therapy
Interferon-beta administration & dosage
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0944-1174
- Volume :
- 36
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of gastroenterology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 11324727
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1007/s005350170110