The Effects of Pegylated Interferon Alpha-2a and Alpha-2b Therapy on Chromosomal Aberrations and Mitotic Index in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis B

Abstract

epatitis B virus (HBV) is the 10th leading cause of death and related to one million deaths/year due to chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma.1,2 Interferon therapy; one of the main therapeutic agents for chronic hepatitis B infection, is associated with adverse effects such as flu-like syndrome, lack of appetite, alopecia, visual symptoms, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia that response to dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy.3-5 Hematologic adverse effects are common and severe and use of growth factors may be required.6 Recent reports mentioned interferon-related chromosomal aberrations and secondary malig- Halit AKBAŞ,