Efficacy and Safety of Pegylated Interferon in Children and adolescents Infected with Chronic Hepatitis C A Preliminary Study

摘要: This study researches the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon alpha-2a (pegIFNα-2a) in Egyptian children adolescents diagnosed with hepatitis C virus. Thirty patients were enrolled to receive pegIFN once a week ribavirin twice daily for 12 weeks; viral load experienced adverse effects then assessed. Of 30 patients, 16 (53.33%) cleared from virus, showing early virologic response (EVR). Three (10%) showed 2-log reduction by 12, an overall rate 63.33%. who EVR after 4 weeks relapsed 12. Levels serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalized at Adverse events included fever, myalgia, headache, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, anemia, leucopenia; 63.33% significant their body weight. Although average mass index, this was not significant. Hemoglobin values decreased within first 2 stabilized but back baseline. A level absolute neutrophil count (ANC) observed 4th started improve 12th week. recruited 29.4% subjected IFN dose reduction. None neutropenia developed serious infection or sepsis. The authors concluded that plus therapy is promising when tested on children.