Alpha interferon in treatment of chronic hepatitis C viral infection (CHCV): Pilot study of 18 patients.

Eighteen patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection (CHCV) were treated with three million units of interferon (IFN) three times a week for a minimum of six months. Four (22.2%) had completely responded, two (11.1%) had partial response and the rest (eight or 44.4%) did not show any evidence of response. After stopping treatment, patients who had a complete or partial response developed a relapse during the follow-up period. Few reversible adverse effects of treatment were reported in more than half of the patients. So, we conclude that three million units of IFN three times weekly is not recommended for treating patients with CHCV. Perhaps a larger dose of five to six million units should be tried and for a longer duration.