Interferon for interferon naive patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Background: A previous meta-analysis of interferon therapy in naive patients with chronic hepatitis C has documented its efficacy in achieving virologic clearance, and improving liver biochemistry and histology; however, since its publication additional trials have been reported.

Objectives: To evaluate the response to interferon in interferon naive patients with chronic hepatitis C. The effect of treatment dose and duration, and the response in patients with cirrhosis and those with normal aminotransferases was also investigated.

Interferon for acute hepatitis C.

Background: Acute hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection progresses to chronicity in the majority of patients. In order to prevent the progression to chronic disease, several studies have assessed interferon in patients with acute hepatitis C.

Objectives: The aim of this review was to assess the efficacy of interferon in acute HCV infection.