Document 2807
 DOCN  M94A2807
 TI    Efficacy of interferon for chronic hepatitis C in HIV+ patients.
       HIV/IFN/HCV Spanish Study Group.
 DT    9412
 AU    Soriano V; Garcia-Samaniego J; Bravo R; Castro A; Gonzalez J;
       Mtnez-Odriozola P; Colmenero J; Carballo E; Del Romero J; Pedreira J; et
       al
 SO    Int Conf AIDS. 1994 Aug 7-12;10(1):220 (abstract no. PB0310). Unique
       Identifier : AIDSLINE ICA10/94369768
 AB    OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and safety of rIFN therapy for CHC
       in HIV+ individuals. PATIENTS: 88 HIV+ patients fulfilling clinical and
       histological criteria for CHC and 27 HIV-negative subjects (controls)
       suffering CHC. METHODS: rIFN alfa-2b (Intron) 5 megaU was given 3 days a
       week subcutaneously during 3 months. In responding patients, rIFN 3
       megaU 3 times a week was administered during additional 9 months.
       RESULTS: Among 72 HIV+ patients, 31 (43%) achieved complete response
       (CR). Mean follow-up was 36 weeks (range 18 to 98). Patients with CD4+
       cells above 500/mm3 achieved CR in 53% (18 out of 34) of cases compared
       to 34% (13 out of 38) among those with lower CD4+ count (p < 0.01).
       Interestingly, 64% of women but only 34% of men (p < 0.01) allowed CR,
       and this difference remained in multivariate analysis. No serious side
       effects or opportunistic infections were observed during the study
       period. However, 4 (6%) HIV+ patients showed a dramatic fall in total
       CD4+ T cell count after began IFN therapy. Mean pre-treatment ALT levels
       were not significantly lower among responders (x = 187) compared to
       non-responders (x = 224). Among 27 HIV-negative patients, CR was
       achieved in 14 (52%). Initial mean ALT levels among responders were
       significantly lower (x = 98) compared to partial or non-responders (x =
       146) (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: rIFN therapy seems to be well tolerated
       and useful in HIV+ patients suffering CHC. However, healing is lower
       (34% versus 53%) in subjects with less than 500 CD4+ cells/mm3 (p <
       0.01). Furthermore, women achieved CR more frequently than men. Effect
       of IFN therapy on CD4+ T cells needs to be clarified in these patients.
 DE    Alanine Aminotransferase/BLOOD  Biological Markers/BLOOD  Biological
       Response Modifiers/ADVERSE EFFECTS/PHARMACOLOGY/  *THERAPEUTIC USE
       Comparative Study  Drug Evaluation  Female  Hepatitis
       C/COMPLICATIONS/ENZYMOLOGY/*THERAPY  Hepatitis, Chronic
       Active/COMPLICATIONS/ENZYMOLOGY/*THERAPY  Human  HIV
       Infections/*COMPLICATIONS  Interferon Alfa-2b/ADVERSE
       EFFECTS/PHARMACOLOGY/*THERAPEUTIC USE  Leukocyte Count/DRUG EFFECTS
       Male  Treatment Outcome  T4 Lymphocytes  MEETING ABSTRACT

       SOURCE: National Library of Medicine.  NOTICE: This material may be
       protected by Copyright Law (Title 17, U.S.Code).