Pegylated interferons in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
- Author:
Fukui ZHANG
1
Author Information
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- MeSH: Antiviral Agents; therapeutic use; Drug Therapy, Combination; Hepatitis C, Chronic; drug therapy; Humans; Interferon-alpha; administration & dosage; therapeutic use; Liver Cirrhosis; drug therapy; Polyethylene Glycols; administration & dosage; therapeutic use; Recombinant Proteins; Ribavirin; administration & dosage
- From: Chinese Medical Journal 2003;116(4):495-498
- CountryChina
- Language:English
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Abstract:
PURPOSETo review the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferons (peginterferons) in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
DATA SOURCESAn English language literature search (MEDLINE 1988 - 2001) was performed and a total of 19 original articles related to the issue were selected.
DATA EXTRACTIONAfter careful review of the selected papers, the meaningful results and conclusions were extracted using scientific criteria. The papers reviewed pertained mainly to the efficacy and safety profiles of peginterferons in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
RESULTSPeginterferon can effectively prolong the half-life of interferon and can be effectively administered conveniently as a once-a-week dose. The antiviral effect using peginterferon was enhanced compared with that of standard interferon, but the frequency and severity of adverse events were typical of those associated with interferon-alpha.
CONCLUSIONSBased on its efficacy, safety and convenient dosing, peginterferon is more favorable than standard interferon in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C.
