Efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination and interferon-alpha-2b combination therapy versus interferon-alpha-2b monotherapy in children with chronic hepatitis B

Helvaci M., Kizilgunesler A., Kasirga E., Ozbal E., KUZU M. A., Sozen G.

JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY, vol.19, no.7, pp.785-791, 2004 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 19 Issue: 7
  • Publication Date: 2004
  • Doi Number: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2004.03358.x
  • Journal Name: JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.785-791
  • Keywords: children, hepatitis B virus, interferon, vaccine, IMMUNOTOLERANT PHASE, IMMUNOTHERAPY, INFECTION, MANAGEMENT, RESPONSES, ANTIGENS, ALPHA
  • Ankara University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Although interferon (IFN) has been approved in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in children, it is effective only in 30-40% of patients. In some studies it has been suggested that therapeutic use of anti-hepatitis B virus (HBV) vaccine may be beneficial in patients with chronic hepatitis B. The aim of the present study was to compare the efficacy of hepatitis B vaccination and IFN-alpha-2b in combination and IFN-alpha-2b monotherapy in children with chronic hepatitis B.