Granulocyte colony stimulating factor for the treatment of interferon-induced neutropenia in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Adverse effects of high-dose interferon-alpha-2a treatment for chronic hepatitis B

The aim of this study was to assess morbidity and the incidence of adverse effects during interferon (IFN)-alpha-2a treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis B. This prospective study included 48 consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis B who underwent IFN-alpha-2a treatment from January 2003 to August 2005. Adverse effects related to IFN treatment were recorded during this period and for 6 mo after treatment. Adverse effects that led to dose reduction or early discontinuation of IFN treatment were examined. Complete response was reported in 25% of patients. At least 1 adverse effect was documented in 88% of patients. Flu-like symptoms were the most frequently observed adverse effects (88%), and thrombocytopenia (63%), leukopenia (54%), and anemia (23%) were also reported. Bleeding occurred in 2 patients. Other adverse effects included neuropsychiatric signs (21%), alopecia (19%), weight loss (17%), thyroid disorders (19%), menstrual cycle irregularities (8%), skin lesions (8%), and dry cough (4%). Adverse effects that led to dose reduction or early discontinuation of IFN treatment occurred in 19% of patients and included impotence, depression, seizure, thyroid disorders, severe thrombocytopenia, and intestinal bleeding. These effects were found to be unrelated to treatment response. No relationship was detected between patient age, duration of treatment, and adverse effects of IFN. Although IFN-alpha-2a treatment induced various adverse effects in patients with chronic hepatitis B, most of these effects were reversible or could be ameliorated. Adverse effects that led to dose reduction or early discontinuation of IFN treatment were found to be unrelated to complete response.

Traitements complémentaires de l’hépatite chronique virale C

Pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy represent the standard-of-care treatment for chronic hepatitis C, that allows to cure more than half of the patients. However, the success of this bitherapy is in balance with numerous side effects, especially hematologic and psychiatric. This review is focused on complementary treatments (erythropoietin, G-CSF, vitamin E, glutathion, ursodeoxycholic acid and antidepressants) likely to bring a benefit in maintaining adequate interferon and ribavirin dosages and in improving quality of life. This analysis has been performed by using the Medline(R) data base and with data from laboratories which commercialized these molecules. Erythropoietin, G-CSF and antidepressants are the best tools to optimize the bitherapy in its dose and its duration while privileging the quality of life of HCV-infected patients.