Interferon α - 2a in Chronic Hepatitis C Infection In Hemophiliac Patients

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is one of the common causes of chronic hepatitis in hemophiliac patients. We report the result of an open referral center, trial of interferon treatment of patients screened for hepatitis C virus infection. TEHRAN HEPATITIS CENTER (THC) conducted the trial. Twenty-four hemophiliac patients with hepatitis C were enrolled into the study. PCR was checked for all patients, liver function tests, routine chemistry tests, complete blood count, urine analysis, thyroid test (at 3-month intervals), and clinical examinations were performed at monthly intervals during the 12-month of therapy. We administered 3 million units (MU) of α Interferon through subcutaneous injections three times a week for 12 month.We had 22 male and 2 female. The mean age was 22.92 + 13. We had 66.7% enzyme response and 47.6% complete response, patients had 63.2% negative PCR at the end of study. The most frequent complication two weeks after treatment was fatigue (54.2%), and at the end of treatment was myalgia (33.3%). It is concluded that interferon α can be used in hemophiliacs with hepatitis C infection with acceptable results.