Advances in the Immunogenetics of Coeliac Disease. Clues for Understanding the Pathogenesis and Disease Heterogeneity

Abstract

Z, Lonovics J. Histological evaluation of the response to interferon-a therapy in chronic hepatitis C. Scand J Gastroenterol 1998;33 Suppl 228:56-61. Background and aims: The response rate of interferon-a (IFN-a), recently introduced in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C, is merely 25-50%. The aims of this follow-up study were to compare the efficacy of 6 and 12-month IFN-a treatment via liver biopsy scores and to evaluate the correlation with the biochemical response. Patients and methods: Twenty chronic hepatitis C patients were studied; 10 received IFN-a therapy for 6 months and 10 for 12 months. Liver biopsy material was taken before and after therapy. Results: There was a significant serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level improvement in both groups, but a significant histological improvement in necroinflammatory activity (grade) only in the 12-month group. The Chevallier stage scores demonstrated a significant progression in both groups. Conclusions: Twelve-month IFN-a treatment affords a better response in the liver histology grade and serum ALT level, but does not influence the staging; a normal ALT does not guarantee hepatitis inactivity. Liver biopsies appear indispensable for monitoring.