M Yagura1, H Harada. 1. Department of Gastroenterology, Tokyo National Hospital, Kiyose, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Amantadine was reported to decrease serum alanine aminotransferase and HCV RNA levels in chronic hepatitis C patients who had not respond to interferon, but further experience has produced mixed results. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of amantadine in a larger number of patients with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: Fifty-eight consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis C were enrolled in this open-label prospective study. The patients had either received no antiviral agents or interferon therapy had previously failed. RESULTS: In 85% of the patients, the time-relation between therapy and reduction of serum aminotransferase levels suggested a potential anti-inflammatory activity of the drug without an effect on viremia. Seven patients discontinued the therapy because of side effects, and overall, side effects were observed in 31% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Amantadine monotherapy in chronic hepatitis C patients may be effective in terms of reducing biochemical markers, but this effect was not associated with loss of viremia.
BACKGROUND:Amantadine was reported to decrease serum alanine aminotransferase and HCV RNA levels in chronic hepatitis Cpatients who had not respond to interferon, but further experience has produced mixed results. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of amantadine in a larger number of patients with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: Fifty-eight consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis C were enrolled in this open-label prospective study. The patients had either received no antiviral agents or interferon therapy had previously failed. RESULTS: In 85% of the patients, the time-relation between therapy and reduction of serum aminotransferase levels suggested a potential anti-inflammatory activity of the drug without an effect on viremia. Seven patients discontinued the therapy because of side effects, and overall, side effects were observed in 31% of patients. CONCLUSIONS:Amantadine monotherapy in chronic hepatitis Cpatients may be effective in terms of reducing biochemical markers, but this effect was not associated with loss of viremia.
Authors: Steven K Herrine; Robert S Brown; David E Bernstein; Michael S Ondovik; Ellen Lentz; Helen Te Journal: Dig Dis Sci Date: 2005-04 Impact factor: 3.487