SIDE EFFECTS OF TREATMENT OF CHRONIC VIRAL
HEPATITIS WITH INTERFERON ALFA IN CHILDREN
Georgieva-Shakola M, Atanassova A, Tzaneva V, Popova M,
Kotzev I
Clinic
of Pediatric Endocrinol & Gastroenterol, Clinic of Hepatogastroenterol,
University Hospital “St. Marina”, Varna, Bulgaria
Objective: The aim of
the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis (HVH) with interferon (INF) alfa
is to eradicate the infection, to improve the liver disease & to
prevent the progress to cirrhosis.
Study’s aim was to
evaluate the side effects of treatment of HVH with INF in children.
Methods: In 1998-2000 8 pts. with C HVH
(12-18 years), 13 with B HVH (3-18years) were treated with INF in dose from 1,5 MU to 6 MU 3 times a
week for 4 to 12 months. At 1 week intervals during the treatment, each pt.
was tested for hemoglobin, leucocytes, granulocytes, platelet cells, at 2
weeks intervals – for aminotransferases. There were clinical and laboratory
controls (complete) after the end of the treatment.
Results: A transient
influenza-like syndrome was observed in all treated pts. during the first
1-2 weeks. Temporary dosage changes were necessary in 2 pts. for
uncomplicated neutropenia. One patient (12 years old) had an episode of
febrile convulsion. Moderate leukopenia was observed in all pts,
thrombocytopenia - in 2pts., moderate anaemia - in 4 pts, allegic reaction
- in 1 pts, alopecia - in 5 pts., local reaction in the side of ingection –
in 2 pts. Ten pts. losted weight (1,5-10% body weight) during therapy. A
hemophilic boy developed diabetes mellitus in course of treatment of HCV
infection. The side effects didn’t depend on the kind & dose of
INF. The pts. with duration of
treatment 6-12 months had more and intensive expression of side effects.
These effects disappeared after treatment was discontinued.
Conclusion: INF was
generally well tolerated & side effects were reversible.