NIH Consensus Statement (cont’d)
“Based on [serum ALT and HCV RNA by PCR], randomized clinical trials have demonstrated that treatment with interferon alfa benefits some patients with chronic hepatitis C.”
Initial dose: 3 MU subcutaneously 3x/week for 12 months.
“…important factors associated with a favorable response to treatment include HCV genotype 2 or 3, low serum HCV RNA level (ə,000,000 copies/ml), and absence of cirrhosis.”
“It is appropriate that a percutaneous liver biopsy specimen be obtained before initiating therapy with interferon...”
“Current studies suggest that treatment of patients with persistently normal ALT is not beneficial…”