Treatment of hepatitis B surface antigen carriers in the early stage of the infection using recombinant alpha‐interferon with steroid priming

摘要: SUMMARY Background: Alpha-interferon has been found to inhibit hepatitis B virus (HBV) replication in Chinese patients with chronic HBV infection although a sustained effect was rarely achieved those normal pre-treatment serum alanine amino transferase (ALT) levels. Prednisolone priming be beneficial over treatment interferon alone these subjects. We studied the of steroid followed by recombinant alpha-2a asymptomatic carriers positive Be antigen (HBeAg), viral DNA (HBV-DNA) and minimal changes liver histology. Methods: The regimen included 6-week prednisolone priming, 2 week rest 14 weeks three times weekly 9 mega units injection 52 follow-up. There were seven group controls. Results: mean age, ALT (normal all except for one each control groups), HBV-DNA levels histological scores similar two groups. Serum fell six during became undetectable them end. During follow-up, returned patients. None treated had HBeAg sero-conversion none controls spontaneous clearance or HBeAg. No improvement histology observed any only mild flu-like side-effects noted well tolerated at doses given among patients. Conclusion: no on early stages infection.