scholarly journals Autoantibodies before, during and after administration of recombinant interferon-alpha for chronic viral hepatitis

1995 ◽  
Vol 37 (5) ◽  
pp. 455-460 ◽  
Author(s):  
Edmundo P.A. Lopes ◽  
A. Eduardo Silva ◽  
Hoel Sette Junior ◽  
Rubens X. Guimarães ◽  
M. Lucia Ferraz
Keyword(s):  
Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Interferon Alpha ◽  
Poor Response ◽  
Chronic Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Type B ◽  
Recombinant Interferon ◽  
Ifn Alpha ◽  
Ifn Therapy ◽  
Type C

This study was undertaken to investigate the presence of autoantibodies in patients with chronic viral hepatitis B and C, before, during and after interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) therapy and to study their relation to dose and type of IFN-alpha and response to treatment. Fifty patients with chronic hepatitis were divided in two groups, a control-group of 21 patients (10 type B and 11 type C) who were followed for 6 months without treatment and an IFN-group consisting of 29 patients (8 type B and 21 type C) who received IFN therapy for 6 months. Serum samples were tested for a range of antibodies at the start of the study, during therapy and at the end of the 6 month period. Antibodies tested for included: antinuclear, smooth muscle, antimitochondrial, parietal cell and thyroid microsomal. Four (8%) of the total patient group had autoantibodies at the beginning of the study (two in each group). During the follow-up period no patient in the control group developed antibodies compared with 3 (11%) patients in the treatment group. Autoantibodies developed in patients treated with higher doses of IFN and were found in those patients who tended to show a poor response to IFN-therapy. Further studies are needed to establish the relationship between poor response to IFN-alpha and development of autoantibodies.

Interferon-alpha-induced psychiatric side effects in patients with chronic viral hepatitis: a prospective, observational, controlled study

2005 ◽  
Vol 14 (3) ◽  
pp. 145-153 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Germana Orrù ◽  
Antonella Baita ◽  
Rossella Sitzia ◽  
Alessandra Costa ◽  
Elisabetta Muntoni ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Adverse Effects ◽  
Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Interferon Alpha ◽  
Psychiatric Diagnosis ◽  
Chronic Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Ifn Alpha ◽  
Psychiatric Side Effects ◽  
Psychiatric Adverse Effects ◽  
Alpha Therapy

SUMMARYAims— Patients with chronic viral hepatitis suffer from a high prevalence of psychiatric problems. Furthermore, the treatment for chronic viral hepatitis, with interferon (IFN) alpha, induces the occurrence of further psychopathological symptoms. The autors examined whether patients with a pre-existing psychiatric diagnosis had more severe IFN alpha-induced psychiatric adverse effects, and whether they were more likely to interrupt the IFN alpha therapy, compared with control patients with no pre-existing psychiatric diagnosis. They also examined the psychopharmacological management of the interferon-alpha-induced psychiatric side effects.Methods— The authors studied prospectively 60 patients with chronic hepatitis B or C in Cagliari, Italy. Patients underwent psychiatric assessment before starting interferon alpha and monthly throughout the therapy.Results— After adjusting for the baseline psychopathology, there was no statistically significant difference in interferon-alpha-induced psychiatric adverse effects between patients with a pre-existing psychiatric diagnosis and controls. There was also no evidence that psychiatric cases were more likely than controls to interrupt the IFN alpha therapy because of psychiatric side effects. Moreover, there was no difference in the psychiatric adverse effects severe enough to require psychopharmacological treatment. Finally, psychopharmaco-logical management successfully treated psychiatric symptoms induced by the IFN alpha.Conclusions— Patients with a pre-existing psychiatric diagnosis do not have a specific vulnerability to interferon-alpha-induced psychiatric adverse effects.Declaration of Interest: none of the authors have conflict of interests in writing this paper; CM. Pariante is funded by the UK Medical Research Council and by the NARSAD and the Guy's and St Thomas Charity

scholarly journals Effective natural interferon-alpha therapy in recombinant interferon- alpha-resistant patients with hairy cell leukemia

Blood ◽  
1991 ◽  
Vol 78 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
P von Wussow ◽  
H Pralle ◽  
HK Hochkeppel ◽  
D Jakschies ◽  
S Sonnen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Interferon Alpha ◽  
Hairy Cell Leukemia ◽  
Mononuclear Cells ◽  
Hairy Cell ◽  
Cell Leukemia ◽  
Recombinant Interferon ◽  
Homologous Protein ◽  
Ifn Alpha ◽  
Interferon Alpha Therapy ◽  
Alpha Therapy

Abstract To explore the relationship between anti-interferon-alpha (anti-IFN- alpha) antibodies and loss of clinical responsiveness to IFN-alpha treatment, we examined sera from 59 patients with hairy cell leukemia who responded to therapy with recombinant IFN-alpha-2a (rIFN-alpha-2a). During the first 2 years of therapy, 10 patients developed rIFN-alpha- 2a-neutralizing and 15 rIFN-alpha-2a-binding antibodies. Nine of the 59 initially responding patients became resistant to rIFN-alpha-2a and suffered a relapse of the disease at 7 to 24 months of treatment. All nine relapsing patients tested positive for both neutralizing and binding antibodies with titers above 400 INU/mL, while none of the antibody-negative patients relapsed. Six patients with detectable binding antibody titers below 400 INU/mL continued to respond to treatment. By measuring the IFN kinetics and the levels of the IFN- induced Mx-homologous protein in mononuclear cells after a single injection each of rIFN-alpha-2a and nIFN-alpha the IFN antibodies of eight of the nine resistant rIFN-alpha patients were found to be highly specific for rIFN-alpha-2a. Therefore, these eight patients were switched to natural IFN-alpha (nIFN-alpha) therapy at doses of 3 million IU, three times a week. All eight patients responded to treatment with nIFN-alpha, achieving durable objective responses similar to those obtained previously with rIFN-alpha-2a. These data clearly demonstrate that rIFN-alpha antibody-positive patients can effectively be treated with nIFN-alpha.

scholarly journals Efficacy of a self-management program in patients with chronic viral hepatitis in China

BMC Nursing ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ying’ai Cui ◽  
Michiko Moriyama ◽  
Kazuaki Chayama ◽  
Yanhui Liu ◽  
Chunmei Ya ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Hepatitis ◽  
Hepatitis B ◽  
Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Chronic Hepatitis B ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Chronic Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Management Program ◽  
Behavioral Changes ◽  
Self Management ◽  
Control Group

Abstract Background Chronic hepatitis, mainly B or C, increases the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma and remains an emerging issue in the globe. China has high rates of liver cancer incidence and mortality in the world. To address such challenges, adequate management of chronic hepatitis is required. Self-management education is one alternative for improving the hepatitis patients’ knowledge of the disease, mental health, and clinical management. This study aimed to examine the quality of life (QOL), psychological effects, and behavioral changes of a self-management program which allows continuity of care for chronic hepatitis B and C patients. Method In a six-month, randomized controlled trial, we invited 73 chronic hepatitis B/C inpatients to receive (i) two face-to-face education sessions provided by a nurse during hospitalization, and monthly telephone counseling at home after discharge; (ii) or usual care treatment (control group). The primary endpoint (patients’ QOL) and secondary outcomes (including self-efficacy, depression symptoms, perceived cognition of illness and behavioral changes) were assessed. In addition, we conducted qualitative data analysis to facilitate the evaluation of the interventions. Results Sixty (82.2%) out of 73 eligible patients with chronic hepatitis B/C (aged 34.9 ± 8.9 years) participated in the study. The intervention group (n = 30) significantly improved on outcomes including QOL, self-efficacy, perceived cognition of illness, and behavioral changes, whereas the control group significantly decreased their healthy behaviors. In terms of behavioral changes, alcohol avoidance, dietary adherence, and stress management also improved in the intervention group. However, there were no significant improvements in symptoms of depression. Most participants (80%) in the intervention group stated that they benefited from the program. Conclusions This program contributed to patients’ acquisition of self-management skills to cope with their illnesses, and significantly improved their QOL. This program serves as a reminder for nurses who care for patients with chronic viral hepatitis to acquire these skills as it would help them address the daily needs of their patients. Trial registration UMIN000025378. Registered December 23, 2016.

Randomized, surgical adjuvant clinical trial of recombinant interferon alfa-2a in selected patients with malignant melanoma.

1995 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2776-2783 ◽  
Author(s):  
E T Creagan ◽  
R J Dalton ◽  
D L Ahmann ◽  
S H Jung ◽  
R F Morton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Group ◽  
High Risk ◽  
Malignant Melanoma ◽  
Group Versus ◽  
Interferon Alfa ◽  
Stage I ◽  
Stage Ii ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Recombinant Interferon ◽  
Ifn Alpha

PURPOSE We conducted a randomized prospective trial in selected patients with fully resected high-risk stage I and II malignant melanoma. PATIENTS AND METHODS Interferon alfa-2a (IFN-alpha 2a) 20 x 10(6) U/m2 was administered three times each week for 12 weeks by the intramuscular route. Both the treatment group (n = 131) and the control group (n = 131) were evenly balanced with regard to relevant prognostic discriminants. RESULTS The median disease-free survival (DFS) time was 2.4 years for the IFN-alpha 2a group and 2.0 years for the observation group (log-rank P = 0.19). The median survival times were 6.6 years for IFN-alpha 2a and 5.0 years for observation (log-rank P = .40). For stage I patients (n = 102), there was no apparent therapeutic advantage from IFN-alpha 2a therapy. The DFS for stage II patients was a median of 10.8 months in the control group versus 17 months in the treatment group. The overall survival time was 4.1 years for the treatment group versus 2.7 years for the control group. The differences in DFS for stage II patient were significant in a Cox model. These results must be interpreted cautiously because of subset analysis. A severe flu-like toxicity occurred in 44% of patients, 13% lost at least 10% of their baseline weight, and 45% experienced a worsening of Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance score. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate trends that suggest a possible benefit for selected patients with high-risk malignant melanoma. The results will require further study in a larger patient population for confirmation.

scholarly journals Functional State of the Thyroid Gland and Lipid Peroxidation and Antioxidant Protection System in Women of Reproductive Age with Chronic Form of Parenteral Viral Hepatitis

2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-35
Author(s):  
Maria A. Rashidova ◽  
Leonid F. Sholokhov ◽  
Marina A. Darenskaya ◽  
Lyubov I. Kolesnikova
Keyword(s):  
Lipid Peroxidation ◽  
Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Functional State ◽  
Chronic Viral Hepatitis ◽  
Protection System ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Antioxidant Protection ◽  
Chronic Form ◽  
Antioxidant Protection System

Background.Chronic viral hepatitis is a complex global problem and is still far from being solved. Many researchers point out influence of viral hepatitis on the reproductive system of women.Aim.To identify features of the functional state of pituitary-thyroid units of neuroendocrinal regulation, and to evaluate lipid peroxidation – antioxidant protection with determination of the oxidative stress coefficient in perimenopausal women with chronic form of hepatitis.Materials and methods. Study included 44 women with chronic viral hepatitis and 28 healthy women of the same age. Immunoabsorbent, spectrophotometric, fluorometric and statistical methods were used.Results.In patients with chronic viral hepatitis, we detected an increase in thyroxine levels – by 29.6% (р < 0.001) and free triiodothyronine values – by 65.7% (р = 0.008) in comparison with the control group. In the group with chronic viral hepatitis, the TBA-reactive products level increased by 1.9 times (р = 0.006), and superoxide dismutase activity decreased by 1.3 times (р < 0.001), total antioxidant activity – by 1.7 times (р < 0.001) and α-tocopherol level – by 1.3 times (р = 0.005) in comparison with the control group.Conclusions. The obtained data demonstrate the features of the pituitary-thyroid system functioning and the lipid peroxidation – antioxidant protection system in patients with chronic hepatitis. The chronic form of hepatitis is characterized by metabolic disorders that require a more careful approach in diagnosis and management.

scholarly journals Interferon alpha-2b as therapy for Ph'-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia: a study of 82 patients treated with intermittent or daily administration

Blood ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 72 (2) ◽  
pp. 642-647 ◽  
Author(s):  
G Alimena ◽  
E Morra ◽  
M Lazzarino ◽  
AM Liberati ◽  
E Montefusco ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia ◽  
Interferon Alpha ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Cytogenetic Response ◽  
Myelogenous Leukemia ◽  
Complete Suppression ◽  
Recombinant Interferon ◽  
Hematologic Response ◽  
Interferon Alpha 2B ◽  
Ifn Alpha

The authors treated a total of 82 patients with Ph′-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) with recombinant interferon alpha-2b (IFN alpha-2b). Sixty-five patients in chronic phase (CP), 28 of whom were untreated and 37 pretreated, and nine patients in accelerated phase (AP), were started on IFN three times a week. Patients in CP were randomized to receive 2 or 5 X 10(6) IU/m2, while patients in AP were all given the dose of 5 X 10(6) IU/m2, in addition to concomitant chemotherapy. Patients in CP who were unresponsive to the lower dose were crossed to the higher dose. Of 63 evaluable patients in CP, 43 (68%) responded, 29 (46%) achieved complete hematologic response (CHR), and 14 (22%) achieved partial hematologic response (PHR). The response rate appeared to be significantly influenced by the IFN dose in pretreated patients. Of the nine patients in AP, two attained PHR and one CHR. More recently, eight previously untreated CP cases were submitted to daily IFN administration at doses from 2 to 5 X 10(6) IU/m2. This daily schedule was also applied to patients who had obtained, with the intermittent treatment, a PHR persisting unmodified for six months (nine patients) or an unstable CHR (five patients). Seven of the eight previously untreated patients, and five of the nine PHR patients crossed to daily IFN reached CHR. In the total series of previously untreated patients, the response rate proved to be significantly influenced by the initial risk status. Cytogenetic improvement was seen in 37 of 53 responders (70%) treated for more than 3 months, the median of Ph′-positive cells declining from 100% to 65% (range 0% to 95%). Complete suppression of Ph′ chromosome was observed in one case. The cytogenetic response was persistent for over 6 months in 21 patients, but the lowest value of Ph′ positivity was usually unstable. At a median follow-up of 56 weeks, 23 of 36 (64%) CHR patients remain in continued disease control with IFN. A blastic transformation (BT) occurred in seven of 21 unresponsive patients and in one of the 36 CHR patients. The authors' data confirm that IFN alpha- 2b, especially at daily doses, is effective in inducing clinical and cytogenetic response in a good proportion of patients with CML in the benign phase. Longer follow-ups will define the exact influence of this agent on the natural course of the disease.

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