Clinical effect of interferon α-2b combined with injectable oxymatrine in the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis C

Objective To assess the clinical efficacy of interferon α-2b combined with oxymatrine in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C and in the prevention of hepatic cirrhosis.Methods 76 patients with chronic hepatitis C were randomly allocated into two groups.40 patients in treatment group were given interferon α-2b up to 24 weeks;combined with oxymatrine for 24 weeks.36 patients in control group were given the same dose of interferon α-2b as above only.After completion of therapy,liver fibrosis,and TGF-β_1 of the two groups of patients were compared.Results The complate answer rate of treatment group was significantly higher,and the relapse rate was lower than that of control group(P0.05).Levels of serum hyaluronidase(HA),pro-collegen type Ⅲ(PCⅢ) and collegen type Ⅳ(C-Ⅳ) and TGF-β_1 were significantly descended in the two groups(P0.01);treatment group had advantages over control group(P0.05);no severe complication occured.Conclusions Interferon α-2b combined with oxymatrine may be able to inhibit HCV replication,improve liver function and prevent hepatic fibrosis.It is suggested to be further evaluated in the treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C.