Perihepatic lymph nodes and antiviral response in chronic HCV-associated hepatitis.

To identify predictive factors of response to interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) plus ribavirin therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), the presence of lymphadenopathy (LyA) of the hepatoduodenal ligament and other variables were investigated. A total of 110 patients with histologically proven CHC were enrolled in this study. Ultrasound (US) was performed at the start and end of therapy and 6 months after stopping therapy.

Leucocyte interferon-alpha for patients with chronic hepatitis C intolerant to other alpha-interferons.

Background: Alpha-interferon (alpha-IFN) is the treatment of choice for chronic hepatitis C but most patients experience adverse effects which sometimes lead to the suspension of therapy. Recently, higher doses of alpha-IFN or prolonged therapy have increased the number of cases of intolerance.

Study Design: In this open study we evaluated the efficacy and safety of leucocyte interferon-alpha (IFNalpha) [6MU three times a week] in 43 patients with chronic hepatitis C who had been intolerant to previous treatment courses with recombinant or lymphoblastoid IFNalpha.