[The retreatment with natural leukocyte interferon alfa-n3 of chronic hepatitis C patients: the intolerant and nonresponsive results to prior treatment with recombinant alfa interferon].

To evaluate leukocyte interferon alpha-n3 tolerability and efficacy in the retreatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C poorly tolerant to previous treatment with recombinant interferon alpha, 142 patients (73 "relapsers" and 69 "nonresponders") were retreated with leukocyte interferon alpha-n3 (6 MU thrice weekly for 6 months) and followed up for 12-42 months. Only patients with complete regression of any previous interferon-related adverse events were included. Three patients dropped out due to recurrence of a severe depressive syndrome. In 104/139 patients (75%) no significant life-style changes vs baseline were observed during retreatment, while 35 subjects experienced moderately negative interference with their living habits. The different influence on the patients' quality of life during leukocyte interferon alpha-n3 treatment in comparison with the previous treatment was significant. In 118 patients (85%) the interferon-related adverse events significantly decreased. After 12 months of follow-up, a sustained biochemical response was observed in 48 patients (35%), and a persistent biochemical and virological response was seen in 33 (23%). The good compliance with leukocyte interferon alpha-n3 administration shown by poorly tolerant patients, "relapsers/nonresponders" to recombinant interferon, permitted retreatment with full doses and thus increased the chance of obtaining a larger number of sustained responses.