Superinfection by hepatitis delta virus (HDV) in hepatitis B virus chronic carriers is normally associated with a progressive liver injury. For this reason, the aim of the present study was to determine the efficacy of recombinant
interferon alpha (rIFN-alpha) treatment of
chronic delta hepatitis, by giving high doses of rIFN-alpha 2c during a prolonged period. A total of 20
HBsAg, anti-HD carriers with a
chronic active hepatitis were randomly allocated in two groups: (I) n = 10, control and (II) n = 10, treated with 10 MU/m2 body surface of rIFN-alpha, twice weekly, intramuscularly (im) during 6 months. Basally, all patients presented
HDAg in the liver and serum
IgM anti-HD. Serum HDV-
RNA was positive in 8 and 7 patients from groups I and II, respectively. The
interferon therapy was well tolerated and all patients finished the treatment period. During the first 6 months, a decrease in ALT levels among treated patients (255 +/- 98 vs. 193 +/- 117) was observed. In addition, a transient drop in HDV-
RNA levels was also observed. No changes in anti-HD titer,
IgM anti-HD and
HBsAg concentration were detected. At the end of the follow-up period (15 months) two treated patients had lost
IgM anti-HD. In addition, another two patients were HDV-
RNA negative. In conclusion, no permanent
antiviral effects of rIFN-alpha 2c in
chronic delta hepatitis, using this schedule, was achieved.