Hosseini-Moghaddam SM, Mousavi A, Alavian SM. Is {beta}-interferon a promising therapeutic option for the management of hepatitis C?
J Antimicrob Chemother 2009;
63:1097-103. [PMID:
19329508 DOI:
10.1093/jac/dkp092]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Using interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) as the conventional therapeutic antiviral drug, physicians generally achieve a treatment success of <50% in cases with chronic hepatitis C. Owing to the structural similarities between IFN-alpha and interferon-beta (IFN-beta), the latter is a candidate for obtaining sustained viral response. In this review, we have compiled the published information on the use of IFN-beta for the management of acute and chronic hepatitis C up to 2007. We have looked at the rates of success and side effects. IFN-beta might be helpful if IFN-alpha fails to achieve a favourable outcome. This antiviral drug may be helpful for the management of chronic hepatitis C in both age extremes, in case of a relapse after receiving IFN-alpha and for preventing the development of the carrier state after acute hepatitis C. Further studies are required on the efficacy of IFN-beta for the management of acute and chronic hepatitis C.
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