Efficacy and safety of α-interferon treatment for chronic hepatitis C in HIV-infected patients

The efficacy and safety of recombinant α-interferon (IFN) therapy for chronic hepatitis C (CHC) was assessed in 57 HIV-infected individuals with CD4+ T cells above 200/mm 3 and compared to the response obtained in 21 HIV-negative patients with CHC. IFN 5 mega⊎ was given three times a week subcutaneously for 3 months. In responding patients, IFN 3 mega⊎ three times a week was additionally administered for 9 months. After 8 months follow-up in HIV-infected patients, 38% (22/57) achieved normal (complete response, CR) alanine aminotransferase (ALT) values. Partial response (PR) was seen in 21% (12/57), and 40% (23/57) did not respond. Patients with CD4+ cells above 500/mm 3 achieved CR in 58% (14/24) of cases compared to 24% (8/33) among those having a lower CD4+ count ( P