In:
Intervirology, S. Karger AG, Vol. 43, No. 3 ( 2000), p. 174-179
Abstract:
〈 i 〉 Objective: 〈 /i 〉 The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between serial changes in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and histological outcome 5 years after treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C with interferon (IFN). 〈 i 〉 Methods: 〈 /i 〉 We retrospectively evaluated 61 consecutive patients who underwent two liver biopsies, just before and 5 years after a 6-month course of IFN therapy, and who showed a relapse after therapy. The extent of liver fibrosis was estimated using a scale with seven grades. 〈 i 〉 Results: 〈 /i 〉 At the end of 6-month IFN therapy, 40 (65.6%) patients had normal serum ALT concentrations. However, 13 of the 40 patients relapsed within 6 months after IFN therapy. The average ALT during 5 years in 40 patients was less than or equal to 75 IU/l, while in the other 21 patients it was more than 75 IU/l. Among the 40 patients with a mean ALT less than 75 IU/l, 13 (33%) patients showed histological improvement, 26 (65%) showed no changes and only 1 patient (2%) showed worsening of liver fibrosis. On the other hand, among the 21 patients with a mean ALT of more than 75 IU/l, only 1 (5%) patient showed improvement, 8 (38%) showed no changes and 12 patients (57%) showed worsening of liver fibrosis. 〈 i 〉 Conclusion: 〈 /i 〉 There is a significant relationship between 5-year histological outcome and serial changes in serum ALT in patients with biochemical and virological relapse after IFN treatment for chronic hepatitis C.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
0300-5526
,
1423-0100
Language:
English
Publisher:
S. Karger AG
Publication Date:
2000
detail.hit.zdb_id:
1482863-7
SSG:
12
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