| Title: |
Dual-centre, double-blind, randomised trial of lymphoblastoid interferon alpha with or without steroid pretreatment in children with chronic hepatitis B. |
| Authors: |
Giacchino, R.; Main, J.; Timitilli, A.; Giambartolomei, G.; Facco, F.; Cirillo, C.; Jacyna, M. R.; Brook, M. G.; Callea, F.; Kariayannis, P.; Terragna, A.; Thomas, H. C. |
| Source: |
Liver; 1995, Vol. 15 Issue 3, p143-148, 6p |
| Abstract: |
Thirty-five children with chronic HBV infection, HBV-DNA and eAg serum positivity, and HBcAg in liver tissue were treated with lymphoblastoid human interferon alpha with (16 cases) or without (19 cases) prednisolone pretreatment. The patients were double-blind randomized to receive steroid or placebo for 4 weeks, followed after 2 weeks by 5 or 10 MU/m2 interferon for 12 weeks. The e anti-e seroconversion rate reached 48%, which is much higher than the spontaneous seroconversion rate. The influence of 'prednisolone priming' was not statistically significant. HBeAg clearance was similar in both groups (44% after prednisolone/interferon and 53% after interferon alone). The response to either treatment did not correlate with the pretreatment serum transaminase, HBV-DNA or degree of histological activity. Interferon was well tolerated, the side effects being less severe than in adults, and never led to suspension of the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| : |
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| Database: |
Complementary Index |