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Evidence summaries

Interferon for Chronic Hepatitis B in Adults

Interferon is effective in inducing remission in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Level of evidence: "A"

A systematic review 1 including 26 RCTs with a total of 1,305 subjects was abstracted in DARE. All trials had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. The outcome measure (response) was sustained enzymatic normalisation, clearance of virus (absence of HBV-DNA as tested by PCR), HBeAG/anti-HBe seroconversion and a net sustained improvement in clinical condition. Partial responders achieved widespread improvement in their clinical condition but not complete normalisation or they had a relapse after suspension of treatment. The overall odds ratio of remission between treated and untreated patients was 4.0 (95% CI 3.1 to 5.2).

    References

    • Malaguarnera M, Restuccia S, Receputo G, Giugno I, Pistone G, Trovato BA. The efficacy of interferon alfa in chronic hepatitis B - a review and meta-analysis. Current Ther Res Clin Exp 1996;57:646-662. [DARE]

Primary/Secondary Keywords