Natural beta interferon in acute type-C hepatitis patients: a randomized controlled trial
Calleri, G.; Colombatto, P.; Gozzelino, M.; Chieppa, F.; Romano, P.; Delmastro, B.; Macor, A.; Cariti, G.; Brunetto, M.R.; Grillone, W.; Bonino, F.
Italian Journal of Gastroenterology and Hepatology 30(2): 181-184
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 1125-8055 PMID: 9675655 Document Number: 487193
A multicentre randomized controlled trial to assess whether a short course of beta-interferon could reduce the rate of chronic evolution of acute hepatitis C, in line with recent observations, was started in Northern Italy in 1991. Forty acute hepatitis C patients were randomized to receive natural beta interferon 3,000,000 international units intramuscularly three times a week for 4 weeks or symptomatic drugs, and were followed up for a median period of 22.5 months. The chronicity rate was 75% (15/20 patients) in the interferon-treated group, and 80% (16/20) in the untreated group. No difference in the duration of the acute phase of hepatitis was observed. Hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid was determined in 21 cases and was positive in 19 cases at baseline and in 15/17 chronic and 1/4 non chronic cases at the end of follow-up. Side effects of therapy (flu-like syndrome in 40% of cases) were mild and short-lasting. No aminotransferase flare-ups were observed during treatment. Beta interferon at the suggested regimen is well tolerated but does not seem to significantly influence the natural course of acute hepatitis C.