Hepatic hepatitis C virus RNA as a predictor of a long-term response to interferon-alpha therapy

Article Abstract:

The eradication of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after interferon-alpha treatment may be determined better by the absence of HCV RNA in liver tissue rather than in blood serum. Of 47 patients with chronic hepatitis C, 22 had a long-term response to interferon-alpha treatment and 25 had a short-term response. Patients were classified as long-term responders if serum levels of the liver enzyme aminotransferase were normal for more than a year after treatment, and as short-term responders if aminotransferase levels rose again after treatment. HCV RNA was not detected in serum or liver samples from 95% of long-term responders after treatment. In contrast, HCV RNA was detected in liver samples from 76% of short-term responders. Analysis of eight prognostic variables among the two groups determined that the presence of HCV RNA in liver tissue was most significantly associated with hepatitis C relapse.

Evaluation, Measurement, Prognosis, RNA

---

Failure to detect vertical transmission of hepatitis C virus

Article Abstract:

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) does not appear to spread from infected mother to infant. Previously, HCV was thought to be spread through blood and body fluids, but recent studies have found 40% to 50% of HCV-infected people cannot identify a source or risk factor for their disease. Twenty-three HCV-positive mothers and their 24 babies were monitored for three months following their discharge from the hospital. All of the babies had anti-HCV antibodies in blood samples taken from their umbilical cords after birth, indicating exposure to the HCV virus, but these levels dropped almost completely over time. None of the babies were producing their own anti-HCV antibodies. These findings indicate the babies acquired the anti-HCV antibodies from their mothers while in the uterus, but the HCV infection did not spread from mother to child.

Disease transmission, Hepatitis C virus, Hepatitis, Neonatal, Neonatal hepatitis

---

Effect of hepatitis G virus infection on chronic hepatitis C

Article Abstract:

Patient characteristics and response to interferon-alpha treatment do not differ among patients infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV) and those infected with HCV and hepatitis G virus (HGV). Responses to interferon-alpha treatment were determined and HGV blood levels were measured in 189 patients with documented HCV infections. Eleven percent of the patients were infected with both viruses. A similar percentage of patients with HCV and HGV responded to interferon-alpha therapy compared to those infected with HCV. Patients with both infections were younger than those infected with only HCV but other characteristics were similar.

Health aspects, Development and progression

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: The effects of betamethasone on maternal cellular resistance to infection. Antisperm antibodies to sperm surface antigens in women with genital tract infection
• Abstracts: Hepatitis C: and miles to go before we sleep. Transmission of hepatitis B virus to multiple patients from a surgeon without evidence of inadequate infection control
• Abstracts: Update: barrier protection against HIV infection and other sexually transmitted diseases. Spermicides, HIV, and the vaginal sponge
• Abstracts: American women's health care: a patchwork quilt with gaps. Research at the interface of primary and specialty care
• Abstracts: Just for the health of it. Top 10 reasons not to date a bodybuilder. Not just for laughs: humor can relieve stress and prolong life

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.