Effects of treatment with Interferon alfa on some biochemical indices among hepatitis C patients.

Abstract

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease in the world. Interferon alpha (IFN alpha) has been widely used as therapy for chronic hepatitis C. Objective :This study was amid to evaluate the efficacy of interferon alpha therapy in patients of chronic hepatitis C for 12 and 24 weeks .Methods: This study was conducted at Marjan Hospital from May 2014 to December 2014. the patients of hepatitis C (24 males and 26 females) had age range 18-48 years were grouped into study group (n=50) and control group (n=16). Patients had injection monthly by interferon vial 18 mlu. At weeks 0, 12 and 24, blood samples were taken for assay Biochemical indices that include blood sugar, urea, creatinine, direct and indirect and total bilirubin, albumin, aspartate aminotranferases (AST), alanine aminotransferases (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Results: There are no significant differences in blood sugar and Albumin levels in HCV patients as compare to normal individuals (control). significant decrease were observed in Blood urea ,serum creatinine direct bilirubin , indirect bilirubin, total bilirubin and significant increase in AST, ALT, ALP levels in HCV patients compare to control. Treatment with interferon alfa for 12 and 24 weeks cause significant increase (P< 0.001) in Blood sugar and Albumin levels and significant decrease in Blood urea ,serum creatinine direct and indirect and total bilirubin in HCV patients as compare to normal individuals (control). Also there were no significant differences in all studied parameters and the response to treatment between males and females Conclusions: After 24 weeks of Interferon alfa therapy, patients showed hopeful response to treatment manifested by improve the biochemical induces.