Abstract |
The effects of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) on clinical and serologic manifestations of mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC) were investigated by randomized, crossover-controlled trial in 26 patients. The trial alternated 6 months with and 6 months without IFN-alpha therapy (2 x 10(6) IU daily for a month, then every other day for 5 months). In 22 patients, pretreatment steroid dosage remained unchanged during the study. Six patients dropped out (three because of side effects), whereas another 20 patients experienced a significant improvement of purpura (P < .02) and serum transaminases (P < .005) during IFN-alpha treatment. The presence of clinical improvement was supported by the outcome measurements of several immunologic parameters. In particular, serum cryoglobulins were significantly reduced (P < .04) during IFN-alpha therapy. A rebound phenomenon of clinical and serologic parameters was observed after IFN-alpha discontinuation. In addition, no variations were recorded during 6 months without therapy. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA was detected in 91% (20/22) of our MC patients; in 2/13 cases HCV RNA was no longer detectable in serum samples after IFN-alpha therapy. Thus, IFN-alpha could be considered as treatment for MC in patients with HCV seropositivity.
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Authors | C Ferri, E Marzo, G Longombardo, F Lombardini, L La Civita, R Vanacore, A M Liberati, R Gerli, F Greco, A Moretti, M Monti, P Gentilini, S Bombardieri, A L Zignego |
Journal | Blood
(Blood)
Vol. 81
Issue 5
Pg. 1132-6
(Mar 01 1993)
ISSN: 0006-4971 [Print] United States |
PMID | 8382969
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Interferon-alpha
- RNA, Viral
- Alanine Transaminase
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Topics |
- Alanine Transaminase
(blood)
- CD4-CD8 Ratio
- Cryoglobulinemia
(immunology, microbiology, therapy)
- Female
- Hepacivirus
(genetics)
- Humans
- Interferon-alpha
(adverse effects, therapeutic use)
- Male
- Middle Aged
- RNA, Viral
(analysis)
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