EVALlJATION OF THE EFFICACY OF INTERFERON IN TREATMENT OF CHRONIC VIRAL HEPATITIS \VITH FOLLOW UP OF THE PATIENTS AFTER CESSATION OF THERAPY

Abstract

Chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Egypt. Approximately 19% of the population are CHB can•iers and very nearly 15% have CHC. Many infected patients are at considerable risk of developing cirrhosis and HCC. IFN-a is the standard treatment of CVH. However, the response rate varies widely, reflecting differences in the natural history ofthe disease and the patient's immune reactivity. A number of pretreatment factors predict the outcome ofiFN-a therapy. The aim of this study is to assess the efficacy ofiFN-a in patients with HBV chronic infection and the efficacy of IFN-a and ribavirin monotherapies or in combination in patients with HCV infection on long-term follow-up basis.