Dual-centre, double-blind, randomised trial of lymphoblastoid interferon alpha with or without steroid pretreatment in children with chronic hepatitis B

R. Giacchino, J. Main, A. Timitilli, G. Giambartolomei, F. Facco, C. Cirillo, M. R. Jacyna, M. G. Brook, F. Callea, P. Kariayannis, A. Terragna, H. C. Thomas

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

Abstract

Thirty-five children with chronic HBV infection, HBV-DNA and eAg serum positivity, and HBcAg in liver tissue were treated with lymphoblastoid human interferon alpha with (16 cases) or without (19 cases) prednisolone pretreatment. The patients were double-blind randomized to receive steroid or placebo for 4 weeks, followed after 2 weeks by 5 or 10 MU/m2 interferon for 12 weeks. The e anti-e seroconversion rate reached 48%, which is much higher than the spontaneous seroconversion rate. The influence of 'prednisolone priming' was not statistically significant. HBeAg clearance was similar in both groups (44% after prednisolone/interferon and 53% after interferon alone). The response to either treatment did not correlate with the pretreatment serum transaminase, HBV-DNA or degree of histological activity. Interferon was well tolerated, the side effects being less severe than in adults, and never led to suspension of the treatment.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)143-148
Number of pages6
JournalLiver
Volume15
Issue number3
Publication statusPublished - 1995

Keywords

  • Children
  • HBV
  • Interferon alpha
  • Steroid

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Hepatology

Access to Document

Fingerprint Dive into the research topics of 'Dual-centre, double-blind, randomised trial of lymphoblastoid interferon alpha with or without steroid pretreatment in children with chronic hepatitis B'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    • Cite this

    Giacchino, R., Main, J., Timitilli, A., Giambartolomei, G., Facco, F., Cirillo, C., Jacyna, M. R., Brook, M. G., Callea, F., Kariayannis, P., Terragna, A., & Thomas, H. C. (1995). Dual-centre, double-blind, randomised trial of lymphoblastoid interferon alpha with or without steroid pretreatment in children with chronic hepatitis B. Liver, 15(3), 143-148.