Pegylated Interferon Alpha Therapy Research Articles

Reduction of Hepatitis B Surface Antigen May Be More Significant in PEGylated Interferon-Alpha Therapy Combined with Nucleotide Analogues than Combined with Nucleoside Analogues in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: A Propensity Score Matching Study.

Nucleotide analogues (NTs) monotherapy may have a more significant effect on reducing hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) than nucleoside analogues (NSs) due to their immunomodulatory function. However, this superiority remains unknown when combined with PEGylated interferon α (PegIFNα). Therefore, this study aimed to explore whether NTs have more significant antiviral effects than NSs in combination therapy with PegIFNα. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients treated with PegIFNα plus nucleos(t)ide analogues (NAs) were retrospectively recruited. Efficacy and the predictors of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) reduction >1 log10 IU/mL after 48 weeks were analyzed. A total of 95 patients were included and divided into the PegIFNα + NTs group and the PegIFNα + NSs group. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed. The PegIFNα + NTs group had a greater reduction of HBsAg (-3.52 vs. -2.33 log10 IU/mL, P=0.032) and a higher proportion of patients with HBsAg reduction >1 log10 IU/mL (100.0% vs. 72.2%, P=0.003) even after PSM. However, HBsAg and hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg) loss rates, HBeAg seroconversion rates, degree of HBeAg and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA decline, HBV DNA undetectable rates, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) normalization rates showed no significant differences. Subgroup analyses showed the difference in the reduction of HBsAg was particularly evident in HBeAg-positive and the "add-on" subgroups. PegIFNα plus NTs (OR = 36.667, 95% CI = 3.837-350.384) was an independent predictor for HBsAg reduction >1 log10 IU/mL after 48 weeks. This study suggests that PegIFNα plus NTs may lead to more HBsAg reduction, especially in HBeAg-positive and "add-on" patients.

SAT369 - Functional cure based on pegylated interferon alpha therapy in nucleoside analog-suppressed HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B: a multicenter real-world study (Everest Project in China)-3.5 years data update

SAT369 - Functional cure based on pegylated interferon alpha therapy in nucleoside analog-suppressed HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B: a multicenter real-world study (Everest Project in China)-3.5 years data update

Early reduction of serum RANTES can predict HBsAg clearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B treated with nucleos(t)ide analogues combined with peginterferon alpha

Objective: To observe the dynamic changes of serum RANTES during the treatment with nucleos(t)ide analogues combined with pegylated interferon alpha (peginterferon-α), and further analyze the predictive effect of RANTES on HBsAg clearance in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Methods: 98 cases of chronic hepatitis B with quantitative HBsAg < 3 000 IU/ml and HBV DNA < 20 IU/ml after≥1 year NAs treatment were enrolled. Among them, 26 cases continued to receive NAs monotherapy, 72 cases received NAs combined with pegylated interferon alpha therapy. The changes in RANTES during treatment were observed. The receiver operating characteristic curve was used to analyze the early changes of RANTES to predict the HBsAg clearance during 48 weeks. Results: During 48 weeks, 15 cases (20.83%) had achieved HBsAg clearance in combination group, while no patient had achieved HBsAg clearance in NAs group. The overall serum RANTES level had decreased from baseline in NAs and combination group. At week 48, in the combination group, the serum RANTES level was decreased more significantly in patients with HBsAg clearance than patients without. Further analysis showed that, in combination group, HBsAg clearance rate of patients with serum RANTES decreased at week 12 and 24 was higher than patients with elevated (29.17% vs. 4.17%, P = 0.014; 28.00% vs. 4.55%, P = 0.052), and quantitative HBsAg reduction was larger significantly [(1.49 ± 1.26) log(10)IU/ml vs. (0.73 ± 0.81) log(10)IU/ml, P = 0.017; (1.54 ± 1.27) log(10)IU/ml vs. (0.57 ± 0.56) log(10)IU/ml, P = 0.004]. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that the baseline quantitative HBsAg and the reduction in quantitative HBsAg and serum RANTES during the early period were predictors of HBsAg clearance after 48-week combination therapy. Furthermore, the combination of baseline quantitative HBsAg and 12 - or 24-week reduction of serum RANTES were better predictors of HBsAg clearance than that of baseline quantitative HBsAg combined with HBsAg decrease at week 12 or 24. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of the former was 0.925 and 0.939, while that of the latter was 0.909 and 0.929, respectively. Conclusion: Early reduction of serum RANTES at week 12 and 24 can predict HBsAg loss in CHB patients receiving addition of peginterferon-α to ongoing NAs Therapy, so serum RANTES could be one of the key immunological markers for predicting HBsAg clearance.

Identifying Cytokine Biomarkers of Response to Pegylated-Interferon Therapy in Polycythemia Vera and Essential Thrombocythemia: Correlative Analysis from the MPN-RC 111/112 Trials

Background: Pegylated Interferon-alpha (PEG-IFNa) improves hematologic parameters and reduces mutant allele fraction in patients with myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs); however, widespread clinical use is limited by frequent discontinuation due to side effects. Identifying biomarkers of response to PEG-IFNa therapy might identify patient subsets most likely to derive benefit from this therapy. Serum pro-inflammatory cytokine levels are increased in MPN patients and associated with adverse clinical outcomes. The effect of PEG-IFNa therapy on cytokine levels in MPN patients and correlation with clinical response has not been elucidated. We hypothesized that identification of cytokine signatures could predict for clinical/molecular response to PEG-IFNa in MPNs. Methods: Pre- and post-treatment serum samples were collected from available patients enrolled on the Myeloproliferative Disorders Research Consortium (MPD-RC) 111/112 trials-multicenter studies assessing efficacy of PEG-IFNa in patients with high-risk polycythemia vera/essential thrombocythemia either up front or in the setting of hydroxyurea failure/intolerance. Serum was prepared using the Millipore MAP Human 41-Cytokine Magnet Bead System (Millipore; Cat:HCYTOMAG-60K) and run on the Luminex FLEXMAP 3D platform. Data was analyzed using Luminex xPonent 4.3 software. Correlative mutational data on 156 genes implicated in myeloid malignancies was also available for all patients. Age-matched serum from healthy individuals (N=6) was obtained from AllCellsTM for use as wild-type (WT) controls. Baseline cytokine samples were compared between groups of interest by use of Wilcoxon rank-sum test. Change from baseline in cytokines for each group were compared to the null hypothesis of zero change. P values &lt;0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Pre- and post-treatment serum samples were available on 29 MPN patients from the MPN-RC 111/112 cohorts. 21 patients were classified as complete responders (CRs) vs. 8 non-responders (NRs) using European LeukemiaNet criteria. Baseline cytokine levels were generally increased in both CRs and NRs compared to WT, including significant increases in Eotaxin (p=0.023), IL3 (p=0.048), IP10 (p=0.04), and TNFa (p=0.006) (Table 1), as well as a non-significant trend increase in IL8 (p=0.076). Notably, other cytokines were decreased at baseline in comparison to WT, including EGF (p&lt;0.001), as well as MDC (p=0.040) and PDGFaabb (p=0.02), in line with previous studies. Compared to CRs, NRs displayed significantly lower levels of GRO (p=0.020), MDC (p=0.003), and PDGFaabb (p=0.026) at baseline along with elevated levels of IP10 (p=0.028) suggesting pre-treatment levels of these cytokines might predict response to therapy. Comparison of pre- and post- treatment samples revealed a general increase in median cytokine levels in CRs, with significant changes in GM-CSF (p=0.012), IP10 (p&lt;0.001), MCP1 (p=0.015) and IFNa itself (p=0.010). Notably, median cytokine levels in NRs post-treatment, including IFNa, were relatively unchanged from baseline despite on-going PEG-IFNa therapy. Additional pre-treatment serum samples, as well as correlative analysis of cytokine changes with JAK-STAT driver mutant allele fraction and mutational profiling are underway and will be presented at the meeting. Conclusions: Preliminary findings suggest individual cytokines are affected by PEG-IFNa in MPNs. Furthermore, baseline levels of GRO, MDC, PDGFaabb, and IP10 correlate with response to PEG-IFNa. These data may identify MPN patients most likely to respond to PEG-IFNa therapy and those for whom this therapy may be most appropriate. Further analysis with a larger cohort of treatment-naïve patients is underway to validate these findings and identify additional molecular and cytokine signatures of response to PEG-IFNa therapy. Disclosures Yacoub: Agios: Speakers Bureau; Hylapharm: Equity Ownership; Dynavax: Equity Ownership; Cara: Equity Ownership; Ardelyx: Equity Ownership; Incyte: Consultancy, Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Seattle Genetics: Honoraria, Speakers Bureau; Novartis: Consultancy, Speakers Bureau. Mascarenhas:Incyte: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Novartis: Research Funding; Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding; Merck: Research Funding; Celgene: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; CTI Biopharma: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding; Janssen: Research Funding; Promedior: Research Funding; Merus: Research Funding; Pharmaessentia: Consultancy, Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees. Levine:Lilly: Honoraria; Qiagen: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Imago Biosciences: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Loxo: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Prelude Therapeutics: Research Funding; Isoplexis: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Roche: Consultancy, Research Funding; Gilead: Consultancy; Amgen: Honoraria; C4 Therapeutics: Membership on an entity's Board of Directors or advisory committees; Celgene: Consultancy, Research Funding; Novartis: Consultancy. Hoffman:Merus: Research Funding. Rampal:Constellation, Incyte, and Stemline Therapeutics: Research Funding; Agios, Apexx, Blueprint Medicines, Celgene, Constellation, and Jazz: Consultancy.

Higher baseline viral diversity correlates with lower HBsAg decline following PEGylated interferon-alpha therapy in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B.

BackgroundViral diversity seems to predict treatment outcomes in certain viral infections. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between baseline intra-patient viral diversity and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) decline following PEGylated interferon-alpha (Peg-IFN-α) therapy.Patients and methodsTwenty-six HBeAg-positive patients who were treated with Peg-IFN-α were enrolled. Nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR), cloning, and sequencing of the hepatitis B virus S gene were performed on baseline samples, and normalized Shannon entropy (Sn) was calculated as a measure of small hepatitis B surface protein (SHBs) diversity. Multiple regression analysis was used to estimate the association between baseline Sn and HBsAg decline.ResultsOf the 26 patients enrolled in the study, 65.4% were male and 61.5% were infected with hepatitis B virus genotype B. The median HBsAg level at baseline was 4.5 log10 IU/mL (interquartile range: 4.1–4.9) and declined to 3.0 log10 IU/mL (interquartile range: 1.7–3.9) after 48 weeks of Peg-IFN-α treatment. In models adjusted for baseline alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and HBsAg, the adjusted coefficients (95% CI) for ΔHBsAg and relative percentage HBsAg decrease were −1.3 (−2.5, −0.2) log10 IU/mL for higher SHBs diversity (Sn≥0.58) patients and −26.4% (−50.2%, −2.5%) for lower diversity (Sn<0.58) patients. Further analysis showed that the “a” determinant upstream flanking region and the first loop of the “a” determinant (nucleotides 341–359, 371–389, and 381–399) were the main sources of higher SHBs diversity.ConclusionBaseline intra-patient SHBs diversity was inverse to HBsAg decline in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients receiving Peg-IFN-α monotherapy. Also, more sequence variations within the “a” determinant upstream flanking region and the first loop of the “a” determinant were the main sources of the higher SHBs diversity.

Association between IL28B gene polymorphisms and therapeutic effect of individualized pegylated interferon alpha therapy in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients

Association between IL28B gene polymorphisms and therapeutic effect of individualized pegylated interferon alpha therapy in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients

KIR2DS2 as predictor of thrombocytopenia secondary to pegylated interferon-alpha therapy.

Our aim was to evaluate the killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) as a marker for the development of thrombocytopenia secondary to Peg-interferon (IFN) therapy in a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infected patients. Patients were naive to HCV treatment, receiving a first course of Peg-IFN/Ribavirin combination therapy. Total platelet count (cells ml-1) was determined at each visit, determining platelet decline from baseline to weeks 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 after starting therapy. The end point of the study was development of thrombocytopenia, defined as a platelet count of <1 50 000 cells ml-1. Fifty-eight HIV/HCV co-infected patients were included in the study, of whom 20 (34.4%) developed thrombocytopenia. The absence of KIR2DS2 was associated with higher and faster rate of thrombocytopenia (54.2% vs 22.5%; P=0.012; 6.6 vs 10.3 weeks; P=0.008). The absence of KIR2DS2 was associated with a greater decline in platelet count and development of thrombocytopenia during Peg-IFN treatment in HIV/HCV co-infected patients.

Sex differences in depressive symptomatology in patients with chronic hepatitis C during pegylated interferon alpha therapy: A 72-week prospective study

IntroductionTreatment with pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-α) is associated with depression more frequently in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients than with other inflammatory diseases.ObjectivesTo prospectively asses sex differences in the prevalence of depression in CHC patients during the PEG-IFN-α, as well as in the CHC group with no therapy.MethodsSample consisted of 103 subjects with CHC on the PEG-IFN-α and 103 subjects with CHC without interferon therapy. The diagnosis of depressive disorder was established by using Structured Clinical Interview and Criteria of International Classification Disorder. The severity of depression was assessed by using Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD ≥ 8) prior to PEG-IFN-α (baseline) and at the follow-up visits (4th, 12th, 24th, 48th, 72nd week).ResultsDuring the course of PEG-IFN-α, 49.5% of subjects showed depressive symptomatology (HAMD ≥ 8). Except at baseline and in the 72nd week, on the all other follow-up visits the prevalence of depression was significantly higher in female subjects (*all Ps &lt; 0.05). The strongest difference was observed in the 12th week: of all the subjects with HAMD ≥ 8, 68.8% were female and 32.7% were male (P &lt; 0.001). The multivariate logistic regression model showed that female sex is a very strong predictor for the development of depression during the interferon treatment [Exp (B) = 6.729]. There were no significant sex differences in the prevalence of depression in the control group.ConclusionsOur study (the longest study in this area) indicate that the prevalence of depression is significantly higher in female subjects with CHC during antiviral treatment.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Coping with Neuropsychiatric Side Effects of Pegylated Interferon Alpha Therapy in Hepatitis C Virus Positive (HCV+) Patients: an Observational Study.

Background HCV is the most frequent cause of chronic hepatitis and a risk factor for liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite recent advances in HCV therapy, Pegylated Interferon Alpha (PegIFNα) remains the treatment backbone, even if it can cause serious neuropsychiatric symptoms (from irritability to psychosis) that could reduce treatment compliance to the point of failure. Aims To describe the neuropsychiatric symptoms during PegIFNα treatment in a group of HCV patients without any psychiatric morbidity at enrolment, and drop-out rate. Methods Eleven HCV+ outpatients, scheduled for PegIFNα treatment, were assessed at enrolment (T0), and after one (T1) and two months (T2) to investigate psychiatric symptoms by means of SCID-I, HAM-D, HAM-A, PHQ-9, MDRS and MRS. A pharmacological therapy, based on clinical evidence, were provided at their onset. Results Comparing T0, T1 and T2 mean scores, we found a increasing trend in all psychometric scales, statistically significant for HAM-D and HAM-A. An item-by-item analysis showed a significative increase in the mean scores of HAM-D somatic items (#11 to 14), and HAM-A Anxious mood(#1), Tension(#2) and somatic items (#8 to 10, 12, 13). Drop-up occurred in two outpatients (18%), both after T1 assessment, due to HCV relapse (one patient), and serious somatic side effects (one patient). Conclusions Patients at early stages of PegIFNα treatment may develop a psychiatric comorbidity, particularly tension, anxiety and somatic symptoms, even without a psychiatric hystory. This confirmes a need for psychiatric assessment in patients scheduled for antiviral therapy, to identify early symptoms and reduce drop-out rates.

Long Term Efficacy and Tolerance of Pegylated Interferon Alpha Therapy for Patients with High Risk Essential Thrombocythemia: An Observational Study of the French Intergroup of Myeloproliferative Disorders (FIM)

Background: Therapeutic guidelines in essential thrombocytemia (ET) are based on established criteria, ie. age more than 60 years, history of thrombosis, platelets more than 1000-1500 ×109/L and to lesser degree cardio-vascular risk factors. Hydroxyurea and anagrelide are the most commonly used cytoreductive therapy for high risk ET. Despite a proven activity in Ph negative myeloproliferative disorders, generalized use and efficacy of Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) have been hampered by frequent side effects. Nonetheless it is a non leukemogenic therapeutic option for younger patients (pts) and during pregnancy. Two phase II trials using Pegylated (Peg) forms of IFN-α in pts with polycythemia vera (PV) or high risk ET have provided interesting results: i) an improved toxicity profile generally associated with a rapid hematolologic response, ii) a molecular response described in a subset of JAK2V617F positive PV or ET pts treated with PegIFN-α.Aim: To estimate the rationale of PegIFN-α therapy selection in high risk ET patients, efficacy and tolerance.Methods:Cases of high risk ET patients, who started PegIFN-α therapy between 2006 and 2011, were reported by centres of the French Intergroup of Myeloproliferative disorders and included in an observational study. We collected information regarding history of MPN, treatment, hematologic response at different timepoints, toxicities related to PegIFN-α, thrombo-hemorrhagic events and hematologic progression. The current analysis was performed on 103 consecutive pts.Results: Median follow-up from ET diagnosis was 9 years (3-27). 74% of pts were female, median age was 37 years (range 16-67). Previous vascular event was observed in 36% of cases and JAK2V617F mutation was detected in 52% of pts. .Median time from diagnosis to PegIFN-α was 40 months (1-255). PegIFN-α was administered after hydroxyurea and anagrelide in second or third line (56% and 27% respectively). No prior therapy has been used for 16% of pts. Reasons for starting PegIFN-α were lack of hematologic response (21%), toxicity to prior therapies (17%), pregnancy (15%), or medical decision for younger pts (47%). Pts received either PegIFNα-2a (n=91) or PegIFNα-2b (n=12), based on physician decision.According to the 2009 European LeukemiaNet criteria and with a median exposure to PegIFN-α of 29 months (1-92), 81% of pts achieved a complete hematologic response (CHR). Cumulative incidence of CHR were 58 % (95% CI: 49-68), 73% (95% CI: 65-81) and 80% (95% CI: 71-87) at 6, 12 and 24 months respectively.By analysing the response according to JAK2 status, cumulative incidence of CHR was better for the JAK2V617F positive subgroup (p=0.0183, overall). At 36 months estimated CHR rates were 89% (95% CI: 79-95) and 70% (95% CI: 57-82) for JAK2VF positive vs negative subgroup respectively. Median exposure to PegIFN-α was 29 months in both groups.At last follow-up, with a median of 42 months since PegIFN-α initiation, 53% of the pts were still treated with PegIFN-α. Among them, 76% have maintained a CHR. Reasons for discontinuation of PegIFN-α (47% of pts) were consecutive to PegIFN-α toxicity (59%), -mainly chronic moderate non hematologic toxicity-, or hematologic responses were considered insufficient in16%. In addition, PegIFN-α has been stopped in a subset of pts who achieved a durable stable CHR.In Conclusion, This study provides results of PegIFN-α therapy in a cohort of high risk ET pts not included in clinical trials. In this selected population of young pts, a durable efficacy of therapy was observed in half of patients. Characteristics of hematologic response according to molecular status will be presented. These results support the PegIFN-α as an alternative therapy to hydroxyurea and anagrelide in high risk ET, and warrant its investigation in further prospective randomized studies. DisclosuresRoy:Merck: Peg-Interferon provided for academic clinical trial in CML Other. Off Label Use: Peg-Interferon in essential thrombocythemia. Gyan:Roche: Research Funding. Nicolini:BMS: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees; Novartis: Consultancy, Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Research Funding, Speakers Bureau; Ariad: Membership on an entity’s Board of Directors or advisory committees, Speakers Bureau. Kiladjian:Roche: Peg-Interferon provided for academic clinical trial in PV Other.

Screening for serum biomarkers in patients with chronic hepatitis B with hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance, following pegylated interferon alpha therapy.

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is one of the most common infectious disease worldwide and a leading cause of death. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has previously been proven to be a steady biomarker that may be used to predict clinical outcomes. The amount of circulating HBsAg has been reported to reflect the number of infected hepatocytes. An advantage of pegylated interferon alpha (peg-IFN-α) is that as a finite course of therapy, it can potentially lead to sustained disease remission in subsequent decades. HBsAg seroclearance can reportedly be achieved in some hepatitis B patients treated with peg-IFN-α; this is a major advantage of IFN-α, as compared with nucleoside analogue treatment. In the present study, a random phage display peptide library was used to screen for potential serum peptide biomarkers in predicting which patients with CHB would exhibit HBsAg seroclearance, following 48 weeks of peg-IFN-α therapy. A total of 30 patients with CHB who achieved HBsAg seroclearance following peg-IFN-α therapy and an additional 30 age-, gender-, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) status- and hepatitis B virus genotype-matched patients with CHB without HBsAg seroclearance following peg-IFN-α therapy, were enrolled as a discovery cohort. In the discovery/screening phase, 17/20 of the randomly selected phage clones, exhibited a specific reaction with purified sera immunoglobulin G from the HBsAg clearance group, and 13/17 positive phage clones came from the same phage clone, with the inserted peptide sequence ETCRASCINESA (named IFNC1). In the validation phase, phage-ELISA results showed that the positive reaction rate of the IFNC1 peptide phage clone was 92.0% with the HBsAg seroclearance group (n=50), which was significantly higher, as compared with the randomly selected HBsAg non-clearance group (12.0%, n=50) and the healthy control group (8.0%, n=50). In conclusion, the newly identified mimic peptide IFNC1 showed a high predictive validity HBsAg seroclearance in patients with CHB, following peg-IFN-α therapy. Therefore IFNC1 may be a potential serum biomarker, which could be used to predict the treatment outcomes of peg-IFN-α therapy.

Late HDV RNA relapse after peginterferon alpha-based therapy of chronic hepatitis delta

Interferon alpha is the only treatment option for hepatitis delta virus (HDV). Trials investigating the efficacy of pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFNa) showed HDV RNA negativity rates of 25-30% 24 weeks after therapy. However, the clinical and virological long-term outcome of HDV-infected patients treated with PEG-IFNa is unknown. We performed a retrospective-prospective follow-up of 77 patients treated for 48 weeks with either PEG-alfa-2a and adefovir (ADV) or either drug alone in the Hep-Net-International-Delta-Hepatitis-Intervention-Study 1 (HIDIT-1) trial. Long-term follow-up data were available for 58 out of 77 patients (75%) with a median time of follow-up of 4.5 (0.5-5.5) years and a median 3 visits per patient. Patients treated with ADV alone received retreatment with PEG-IFNa (48% versus 19%; P = 0.02) more often. Hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) became negative in six PEG-IFNa-treated patients until the end of long-term follow-up (10%). Sixteen patients tested HDV RNA-negative 6 months after PEG-IFNa treatment who were entered in the long-term follow-up study. Out of these, nine individuals tested HDV RNA-positive at least once during further long-term follow-up, with seven patients being HDV RNA-positive at the most recent visit. Clinical endpoints (liver-related death, liver transplantation, hepatic decompensation, hepatocellular carcinoma) were observed in three PEG-IFNa-treated (8%) and three ADV-treated (14%) patients during posttreatment long-term follow-up with an overall annual event rate of 2.5% (4.9% in cirrhosis). Sequencing confirmed the reappearance of pretreatment virus strains in all cases. Late HDV RNA relapses may occur after PEG-IFNa therapy of hepatitis delta and thus the term sustained virological response should be avoided in HDV infection. The annual posttreatment rate of clinical events in hepatitis delta patients eligible for PEG-IFNa therapy is about 2.5% and 4.9% in patients with cirrhosis.

Predictive value of interferon-gamma inducible protein 10 kD for hepatitis B e antigen clearance and hepatitis B surface antigen decline during pegylated interferon alpha therapy in chronic hepatitis B patients

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is an immune-mediated infectious disease caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). No ideal immunological markers are available at present. In this study, the expression level of interferon-gamma inducible protein 10kD (IP-10) in chronic asymptomatic HBV carriers (AsC), patients with CHB, and patients with HBV-related acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) was detected. Serum IP-10 level changes were evaluated during the pre-, on- and post-treatment periods for CHB patients receiving Peg IFN-α therapy. The correlation between the IP-10 level and the inflammation activity (IA) score, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level, HBV DNA load, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) quantification were also evaluated. The IP-10 expression gradually increased from AsC to patients with CHB and was highest in patients with ACLF. Serum IP-10 levels were positively correlated with the hepatic IA score and ALT level, but negatively with the HBV DNA load and HBsAg quantification. The CHB patients achieved hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) clearance or HBsAg decline >1log10IU/ml had higher pre-treatment IP-10 levels and more obvious on-treatment reduction of the IP-10 level than did patients with HBeAg persistent-positive or HBsAg decline <1log10IU/ml. Multivariate logistic-regression analysis revealed that the serum IP-10 level was an independent predictor of HBeAg clearance and HBsAg decline. In conclusion, IP-10 expression distinctly varies at different clinical stages of HBV infection. Higher pre-treatment serum IP-10 expression and dynamic down-regulation might be associated with an increased probability of HBeAg clearance and HBsAg decline in CHB patients during Peg IFN-α therapy.

Gene polymorphisms in chronic C virus hepatitis

Abstract The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major public health problem in the world. Current standard of treatment with pegylated interferonalpha (PegIFN) and ribavirin (RBV) achieves a sustained virological response in 40–50% of those infected with genotype 1. Host genotyping studies have the potential to identify genes and therefore pathogenic processes important in viral clearance, enabling a rational approach to design new drugs, and to identify patients who will most likely respond to current and new treatments. The polymorphisms in IL28B are highly predictive of response to PegIFN and RBV combination therapy for HCV genotype 1 infection. Possibly combined to other baseline features, such as the measurements of IP-10 and HLA-C as well as on-treatment viral kinetics, should allow for improved prediction of response to HCV combination therapy. Host genetics have significant role in spontaneous clearance of HCV. Genotyping of this polymorphism will aid clinical decision making for both current standard of care and potentially for the integration of other agents in the future, providing an opportunity for clinicians to individualize treatment regimens for hepatitis C patients.

Descriptive study of incidence of side effects of Pegylated interferon alpha therapy and their relation to age, gender, duration of treatment and type of hepatitis in 50 Iraqi patients.

Background: Hepatitis C and B is common disease all over the world and their chronicity is a social and medical problem so medical treatment by alpha interferon can change the mortality and morbidity.Object: Identify the incidence of the side effects of pegylated interferon alpha in a sample of Iraqi patients with chronic hepatitis B&amp;C and their relation to age, gender, duration of treatment and type of hepatitis comparing them with the literatures from other countries.Patients and methods:A descriptive case series study was conducted on 50 patients, 24 male and 26 female, with established diagnosis of hepatitis B(20 patients)and C(30 patients) who attend Baghdad Teaching hospital and Gastroenterology and Hepatology centre in Baghdad between the period of January 2009 and October 2010 with follow up over at least 3 months.A direct interview with detailed history and thorough clinical examination with some simple laboratory investigation were done to determine any of the documented side effects of alpha interferon therapy or discover new side effects not elicited in the studies done on other populations.Results: Flu-like illness is the most common side effect (84%), followed by fatigue, anorexia, local reaction and neuropsychiatric side effects while Neutropenia, lymphopenia and thyroiditis are rare.There is no significant difference in the incidence of side effects between age groups with the exception of constipation which occurs more in younger age group. Arthralgia, palpitation, eczema, itching and rash increase in incidence with prolonged duration of treatment.There is no significant difference in incidence of side effects between both genders apart from hypertension (more in female) and dizziness (more in male).There is no significant difference in incidence of side effects between patients with hepatitis B&amp;C but anemia occurs more in patients with hepatitis C and tremor reported more in patients with hepatitis B.Conclusion: Almost all patients on treatment with interferon-based regimen will experience adverse events that can threaten good adherence. Flu-like illness is the most common side effect (84%), followed by fatigue, anorexia, local reaction and neuropsychiatric side effects (depression, nervousness, insomnia).The higher incidence of anemia in patients with hepatitis C is mostly due to concomitant ribavirin therapy.Age, gender, type of hepatitis and duration of treatment can affect the incidence of interferon therapy.

P-519 - Risk factors for depressive symptoms in patients with hepatitis c treated with pegylated interferon alpha therapy

Introduction Current standard treatment of chronic hepatitis C (CHC) consists of pegylated recombinant interferon alpha (PEG-IFN-α) combined with oral ribavirin (RBV). Interferon treatment is associated with depressive simptomatology. Risk factors such as duration of CHC, former drug addiction, lifetime psychiatric disorder, sex, duration of therapy, dose of PEG-IFN-α have been shown to be associated with depression in patients with CHC. Objective To prospectively evaluate association of depression and specific risk factors in patients with CHC treated with PEG-IFN-α. Methods The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale was used to asses depressive symptoms in 74 subjects with CHC before PEG-IFN-α (mean dose 152.6 ± 25.6 mcg), and in the follow-up visits (4, 12 and 24 week). The sociodemographic and hepatitis C related history of the patients were examined on the basis of medical chart review. Results After controlling for baseline HAMD scores, only female sex was confirmed as a risk factor for depression (p = 0.008) at fourth week after baseline. No association was found with any of three groups of risk factors: 1) subject related risk factors (age (p = 0.955), sex (p = 0.008), lifetime psychiatric disorder (p = 0.656)), 2) illness related risk factors (duration of CHC (p = 0.267), i.v drug aplication as way of transmission (p = 0.292)) and 3) therapy-related risk factors (recommended duration of PEG-IFN-α (p = 0.993) and dose of PEG-IFN-α (p = 0.841)). Conclusions Common risk factors were not found to correlate with depressive simptomatology in CHC on PEG-IFN-α. Hepathologists are encouraged to use self-assessment depression scale instead of relying on any of the routinely assesed risk-factors.

Severe Agranulocytosis as a Rare Side Effect of Pegylated Interferon Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis B

We report on a 19-year-old male patient with chronic HBeAg-positive hepatitis B-infection and agranulocytosis as a severe side effect of pegylated interferon alpha therapy. Within the first six months of therapy the hepatitis B virus DNA became undetectable in parallel with a significant decrease of the HBsAg serum concentration. After a six-month course of therapy the patient was admitted to our emergency unit. He appeared significantly ill and reported that he had fever for two days, painful oral mucosa, throat pain and general fatigue and discomfort. A complete blood cell count was performed and revealed a complete agranulocytosis with no detectable neutrophilic granulocytes in the blood smear. Antiviral therapy was immediately stopped and he was admitted to our clinic where a supportive therapy and an empirical course of broadband antibiotics were initiated. A few days later an additional treatment with intravenous prednisolone was started. Within the next week the agranulocytosis resolved and the neutrophil count was completely restored. In parallel, the clinical status improved quickly. This case demonstrates the need for our awareness of agranulocytosis as a rare but severe and potentially life-threatening side effect of interferon alpha therapy.

Acute pericarditis due to pegylated interferon alpha therapy for chronic HCV hepatitis - Case report

BackgroundCardio toxicity due to interferon therapy was reported only in small case series or case reports. The most frequent cardiac adverse effects related to interferon are arrhythmias and ischemic manifestations. The cardiomyopathy and pericarditis are rare but can be life threatening. The predisposing factors for interferon cardio toxicity were described only for ischemic manifestations and arrhythmias.Case presentationThe authors report a case of pericarditis due to alpha interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C, in a young woman without previous cardiac pathology. The clinical manifestations started during the 7-th month of interferon treatment. The cessation of interferon was necessary. After interferon discontinuation the patient recovered, with complete resolution of pericarditis. The patient scored 9 points on the Naranjo ADR probability scale, indicating a very probable association between pericarditis and interferon administration.ConclusionIf a patient receiving interferon therapy complains of chest pain of sudden onset, a cardiac ultrasound should be performed in order to rule out pericarditis. We point out the possibility of an infrequent but severe adverse effect of interferon therapy.

Periphere Polyneuropathie und beidseitige Optikusneuropathie unter Behandlung einer chronischen Hepatitis C

A 54-year-old female patient with recently confirmed chronic hepatitis C, genotype Ib and positive HCV-RNA was admitted for interferon induction therapy. Physical examination findings were normal. Ultrasound examination of the abdomen revealed slightly compacted liver structure with otherwise no pathological findings. Laboratory results showed marginally increased GPT value at 46 U/l with HCV-RNA of 769,000 U/ml. All other laboratory results were within the reference range. There was no indication for autoantibodies. After one-week induction therapy with interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha2a) plus ribavirin and amantadine, maintenance therapy with pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG-IFN-alpha2a) plus ribavirin and amantadine was initiated. Complete virus elimination was achieved after two and a half months. Five months after onset of therapy, painful peripheral neuropathy of the limbs occured and after one more month, severe vision impairment with opticus neuropathy and bilateral papilledema developed. Simultaneously, peripheral polyneuropathy progressed with additional motoric deficits. Interferon therapy was terminated and the patient received high-dose corticosteroids which resulted in an improvement of neuropathic complaints. Eight months later, only discrete bilateral vision impairment with optic nerve atrophy remained. Side effects occurring with interferon-alpha therapy and pegylated interferon-alpha therapy are generally low and well tolerated. However, in individual cases - as in our patient - side effects including severe peripheral neuropathy and optic neuropathy have been observed. In these cases, interferon therapy must be terminated immediately as severe damage of nerves may result.

Pegylated interferon-α-based treatment for chronic hepatitis C in renal transplant recipients: an open pilot study

Treatment of hepatitis C in renal transplant recipients remains a controversial issue, as interferon therapy has been associated with a high risk of rejection and poor efficacy. We report here the use of pegylated interferon-alpha, alone or in combination with ribavirin, in renal transplant recipients with chronic hepatitis C. Eight renal transplant recipients with chronic hepatitis C were recruited. The mean delay between renal transplantation and antiviral therapy was 198.8 months. Sustained virological response was observed in four of out eight patients. Three patients with sustained virological response were genotype 2, one was genotype 1; fibrosis stages were F1 for one patient, F2 for 2, F3 for one. At baseline, renal dysfunction was moderate in seven patients and severe in one patient. No patient experienced rejection episodes during or after pegylated interferon-alpha therapy. One patient developed haemolytic uraemic syndrome, which eventually resulted in graft loss and return to dialysis. In conclusion, for renal transplant recipients treated with pegylated interferon-alpha-based therapy, we observed a low risk of renal dysfunction, acceptable tolerance and significant virological efficacy. This is therefore the first study to suggest that pegylated interferon-alpha could be proposed late after transplantation to renal transplant recipients.