The therapeutic effects of IFN-γ on chronic hepatitis B

Objective To observe the therapeutic effects of IFN-γ on chronic hepatitis B. Methods Thirty one patients with chronic hepatitis B were treated with IFN-γ (i.m ) for 6 months. During treatment and 6 months after treatment the pathological examinations were performed. Serum ALT, AST, bilirubin, Cr, BUN, hepatic fibrosis indexes, blood routine, urine routine and electrocardiogram were regularly tested as markers for side effects of IFN-γ. Results The improvement rate of the liver fibrosis stage was 30% (9/30). The rate of HA decrease to normal was 14.2% (3/21). The therapeutic effects in patients with normal serum bilirubin was better than those with abnormal serum bilirubin levels. During treatment 5% and 3.23% patients presented fever or WBC decrease respectively. Conclusion IFN-γhas therapeutic effect on hepatic fibrosis and the pre-treatment serum bilirubin level is the key factor to influence the effects. There are some side effects of IFN-γ in treatment of hepatitis B.