[Recombinant interferon alfa in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C].

BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis C usually progresses to cirrhosis and hepatocarcinoma. Treatment with antiviral drugs is indicated attempting to modify the evolution of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the treatment of chronic hepatitis C or post-hepatitis C cirrhosis with interferon-a-R (IFN) and to identify the factors associated with good therapeutic result. METHODS: Thirty eight patients with chronic hepatitis C or post-hepatitis C cirrhosis were treated with 2.5 or 3.0 MU of IFN three times a week for 6 to 12 months. We considered as a complete and sustained response when ALT and AST were normal for a 6 months period after finishing treatment. We considered complete response with relapse those in whom elevation of the enzymes was detected after drug suspension. RESULTS: There was normalization of ALT and AST in 17 out of 38 patients (44%). In this group, 9 out of 17 presented a complete and sustained response and in 8 out of 17 there was elevation of the enzymes after drug interruption. There was a trend of better response to interferon in patients below 40 years of age and in those with chronic active hepatitis. The most frequent side effects were fever (80%), myalgia (60%), asthenia (50%), headache (40%), and arthralgia (36%). CONCLUSION: Treatment with interferon showed a satisfactory and sustained response in 23% of the subjects, with better results in young patients and without cirrhosis.