Low dose interferon alfa-2b for chronic hepatitis B in Asian countries

Abstract

In a study of low dose interferon alfa-2b in 587 patients expected to show a good response to treatment, 76-87% patients in different countries had alanine aminotransferase activities returned to normal after four months' treatment, 49-72% were negative for hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA, 51-66% were negative for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg), and 44-62% were anti-HBe positive. These effects were maintained after nine to 12 months' follow up. Side effects were mild, but led to discontinuation of treatment in 12 patients.