Comparison of low dose and high dose interferon alpha in chronic hepatitis C

ABSTRACT

40 patients with chronic hepatitis [proven by liver biopsy and by raised ALT and other liver enzymes 1.5 times the normal value] are enrolled in the study. They are divided randomly into 2 groups. Group I comprised 20 patients [14 males and 6 females]. They were given Interferon alpha 6 million units. Group II comprised 20 patients [15 males and 5 females], they were given Interferon alpha 3 million units. The liver enzymes were estimated every month for the period of one year. Only the first and the last samples were included in the study. Before treatment, all patients have positive HCV ab and HCV RNA. Results showed that liver enzymes respond significantly in group I [P <0.0001] than in group II. The degree of normalization of enzymes was higher in group I [60%] if compared with group II [35%]. In conclusion, these finding suggested that high dose interferon-alpha [6 MU] given for one year is more effective that low dose [3 MU] to reduce liver enzymes, for normalization in more percentage of patients, and in reducing the viremia in patients with chronic hepatitis C. In the same time, it has high incidence of side effects on the bone marrow