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Response to treatment of chronic hepatitis C with interferon α in patients infected with HIV-1 is associated with higher CD4+ cell count

  • Clinical and Epidemiological Studies
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Summary

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerance of interferon α (IFN α) treatment of chronic hepatitis C in HIV-seropositive patients. Seventeen patients with actively replicating hepatitis C were consecutively enrolled and treated with IFN α 5 MIU three times a week and followed up for at least 6 months after cessation of treatment. Eight patients responded to IFN α therapy with a complete remission of signs of active hepatitis and viral replication (ALT, HCV-RNA) at the end of treatment with IFN α. A sustained complete remission (ALT, HCV-RNA) for at least 6 months after the end of treatment was achieved in five of these eight patients. Complete responders had higher CD4+ cell counts (median 525/μl) compared to non-responders (median 245/μl) (p<0.001). All patients but one completed at least 4 months of treatment. No severe toxicity (> WHO grade 2) due to IFN α treatment occurred. The results indicate that IFN α treatment of chronic hepatitis C in HIV-seropositive patients is successful in a considerable number of cases. Success of treatment with IFN α is related to higher CD4+ cell counts.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Kuratorium für Immunschwäche, Karlsplatz 8, D-80335, München, Germany

    S. Mauss

  2. Klinik für Gastroenterologie Hepatologie und Infektiologie, Universität Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany

    D. Häussinger & H. Jablonowski

  3. Medizinische Klinik, Universität Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 2, D-97080, Würzburg, Germany

    H. Klinker

  4. Schwabstr. 26, D-70197, Stuttgart, Germany

    A. Ulmer

  5. Rechenzentrum Universität Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225, Düsseldorf, Germany

    R. Willers

  6. Institut für Virologie und Immunbiologie, Universität Würzburg, Versbacherstr. 7, D-97078, Würzburg, Germany

    B. Weißbrich

  7. Medizinische Klinik, Universitäts-Krankenhaus Eppendorf, Martinistr. 52, D-20246, Hamburg, Germany

    H. Albrecht

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  1. S. Mauss
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  8. H. Jablonowski
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Mauss, S., Klinker, H., Ulmer, A. et al. Response to treatment of chronic hepatitis C with interferon α in patients infected with HIV-1 is associated with higher CD4+ cell count. Infection 26, 16–19 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02768746

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02768746

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