Intramuscular beta interferon for chronic hepatitis C: is it worth trying?

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:

The intramuscular use of beta interferon has been tested in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, but it did not prove effective when the schedule was 3 million units three times a week for six months. Since the lack of effectiveness of this treatment might be due to the low bioavailability of beta interferon when administered intramuscularly, we tested a higher dosage of the drug: 6 million units three times a week for twelve months.

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Ninety-two patients were randomized to receive, intramuscularly, either 3 or 6 million units of natural human fibroblast beta interferon three times a week for 12 months.

RESULTS:

The short-term biochemical response was significantly more frequent in the group of patients who received the higher dosage of beta interferon: 21% vs 4.5% (p < 0.05). Nevertheless, a sustained biochemical response was obtained in only one patient (2%), who received the higher dosage of beta interferon.

CONCLUSIONS:

Since the better short-term response rate was obtained with the higher dosage of beta interferon, a further increase in the dosage might improve the short-term and, possibly, the long-term response to treatment. However, due to the high cost of beta interferon, this high-dose schedule would probably not be cost-effective in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.

• Authors: E Fesce, A Airoldi, L Mondazzi, G Maggi, G Gubertini, G Bernasconi, P Del Poggio, F Bozzetti, G Idéo
• Journal: Italian journal of gastroenterology and hepatology (Ital J Gastroenterol Hepatol) Vol. 30 Issue 2 Pg. 185-8 (Apr 1998) ISSN: 1125-8055 [Print] Italy
• PMID: 9675656 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Interferon-beta

Topics

• Adult
• Drug Administration Schedule
• Female
• Follow-Up Studies
• Hepatitis C, Chronic (drug therapy)
• Humans
• Injections, Intramuscular
• Interferon-beta (administration & dosage)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Reference Values
• Treatment Outcome