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Treatment of chronic sporadic-type non-A, non-B hepatitis with lymphoblastoid interferon: Gamma GT levels predictive for response

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Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of human lymphoblastoid interferon-α treatment in chronic sporadic-type non-A, non-B hepatitis. We also aimed to determine if histological or liver function data could predict either response or relapse. Sixty patients with chronic sporadic-type non-A, non-B hepatitis were randomized in two groups of 30. One group was treated with interferon-α (3 MU thrice weekly) for one year; the other group was untreated controls. The treated group was followed for another year after interferon withdrawal. Liver function tests were performed during treatment. Liver biopsy was carried out before and a year after randomization. We evaluated rate of response [normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels for at least three consecutive months] and rate of relapse (ALT rebound after therapy suspension). We also looked at possible predictive factors for response and relapse. In the treatment group the rate of response was 55% (16/29). No control patient exhibited ALT normalization. Among the responders, 31% (5/16) relapsed after interferon withdrawal. Low gamma GT and female sex are positive predictive factors of response (P<0.01 andP<0.02 respectively). Presence of portal and periportal inflammation at the second liver biopsy was correlated with relapse (P<0.05). In conclusion, human lyphoblastoid interferon-α treatment for one year is beneficial in patients suffering from chronic sporadic-type non-A, non-B hepatitis. Low pretreatment gamma GT levels and female sex are positive predictors of response in this patient population. Low degrees of portal and periportal inflammation, posttreatment, predict maintenance of response.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. From the Cattedra di Gastroenterologia, University of Bologna, Italy

    G. Mazzella MD, A. Salzetta MD, S. Casanova MD, M. C. Morelli MD, N. Villanova MD, R. Miniero PhD, S. Sottili BSc, V. Novelli MD, A. Cipolla MD, D. Festi MD &  E. Roda MD

  2. Microscopia Elettronica, Ospedale Malpighi, Bologna

    G. Mazzella MD, A. Salzetta MD, S. Casanova MD, M. C. Morelli MD, N. Villanova MD, R. Miniero PhD, S. Sottili BSc, V. Novelli MD, A. Cipolla MD, D. Festi MD &  E. Roda MD

  3. Laboratorio Centralizzato, Ospedale S. Orsola, Bologna

    G. Mazzella MD, A. Salzetta MD, S. Casanova MD, M. C. Morelli MD, N. Villanova MD, R. Miniero PhD, S. Sottili BSc, V. Novelli MD, A. Cipolla MD, D. Festi MD &  E. Roda MD

  4. Instituto di Fisiopatologia Medica, University of Chieti, Italy

    G. Mazzella MD, A. Salzetta MD, S. Casanova MD, M. C. Morelli MD, N. Villanova MD, R. Miniero PhD, S. Sottili BSc, V. Novelli MD, A. Cipolla MD, D. Festi MD &  E. Roda MD

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  1. G. Mazzella MD
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  2. A. Salzetta MD
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  3. S. Casanova MD
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  4. M. C. Morelli MD
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  5. N. Villanova MD
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  7. S. Sottili BSc
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  8. V. Novelli MD
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  9. A. Cipolla MD
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  11. E. Roda MD
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Mazzella, G., Salzetta, A., Casanova, S. et al. Treatment of chronic sporadic-type non-A, non-B hepatitis with lymphoblastoid interferon: Gamma GT levels predictive for response. Digest Dis Sci 39, 866–870 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02087435

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02087435

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