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  • Title: alpha-Interferon treatment of chronic hepatitis C in young patients with homozygous beta-thalassemia.
    Author: Di Marco V, Lo Iacono O, Capra M, Grutta S, Ciaccio C, Gerardi C, Maggio A, Renda D, Almasio P, Pisa R.
    Journal: Haematologica; 1992; 77(6):502-6. PubMed ID: 1289187.
    Abstract:
    BACKGROUND: Chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) and iron overload are the main causes of chronic liver disease in subjects with homozygous beta-thalassemia (HBT). Iron overload can be counteracted by intensive chelation. alpha-interferon reduces viremia and necroinflammation in patients with chronic HCV hepatitis. METHODS: To assess the effectiveness and safety of alpha 2b-Interferon (IFN), we enrolled in an open pilot trial of treatment 12 patients with HBT and biopsy-proven anti-HCV positive chronic hepatitis. IFN was given at a dose of 5 MU/m2 thrice weekly for 8 weeks, then 3 MU/m2 thrice weekly for 18 weeks. Patients were followed up to 24 months after stopping treatment when a second liver biopsy was performed in subjects with sustained response (normal ALT during follow-up). RESULTS: Two patients discontinued IFN at 7 weeks because of haemolytic anemia and one after 8 weeks due to persistent fever. Among 9 subjects completing the protocol, 5 normalized ALT while on treatment and a further 2 within two months after stopping IFN. A sustained response was obtained altogether in 5 patients, since ALT relapsed in 2 responders. None of the 3 subjects who discontinued IFN and of the 2 patients who did not respond to treatment normalized ALT over a 24 months follow-up. Post-treatment liver histology in long-term responders showed a reduction of portal, periportal and lobular necroinflammation, while siderosis was essentially unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Although the pattern of response to IFN in HCV-infected subjects with HBT might differ from that of non-thalassemics, due to peculiar side effects and delayed response, the drug appears to be effective and deserves further investigation.
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