EVALUATION OF INTERFERONE-ALPHA TYPE 2a (ROFERON) ON PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C

Hepatitis C virus infection is affecting an estimated 200 million people worldwide and 210 thousand in Iran. It is a major cause of morbidity and mortality from liver disease. Interferon-alpha is the choice of treatment but interferone (IFN) with ribavirin is known more effective recently. This study evaluated effect of IFN on Iranian patients and predict response to therapy. This is a quasi experimental study on 33 patients of chronic hepatitis C that are treated by IFN-2a, 3 Mega units, three times in week for 12 months, subcutaneously. We assessed ALT, AST, alkaline phosphatase, total and direct billirubine at first, second week and every month till 12 months. HCV-RNA and biopsy were done at first and end of study. T test, chi2, ANOVA, correlation coefficient and regression models were used for analysis. %82.7 were ejucated under diploma. AST, ALT and alkaline phosphatase were decreased under normal range during treatment significantly(P=0.00005, P=0.0005 & P=0.001). Liver enzymes and billirubine normalized 2-4 months after treatment and the first biochemical break through was during first 6 months. %86.7 of all patients response to therapy biochemically. Percent of patients with negative HCV-RNA was more in the end of study significantly. (P<0.009) Mean biopsy score decreased significantly(P=0.03). Interferone-alpha decreases progression of liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, transplantation need and probably death. Total dose of IFN is more important than weekly dose or duration of therapy. Selection of patients with high probability response to therapy, instead of all of patients should be done. Biochemical response was high and quite acceptable. Significant models for prediction of the first time of response and the first biochemical break through during therapy are effective, cheap, easy and available. Results of this study suggest to give information about chronic hepatitis C to patients and doctors, too.