High Dosage Interferon for Treatment of Children and Young Adults

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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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