The efficacy and side effects of interferon alpha 2a (Roferon) on chronic hepatitis B virus infection in Turkish children

Abstract Chronic hepatitis B virus infection in children is a progressive disease. The efficacy of recombinant interferon alpha in the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B in children is still inconclusive. We evaluated the efficacy of interferon alpha 2a on 32 children aged 1–14 years with chronic hepatitis B. The children received recombinant interferon alpha 2a 5 megaunits/m 2 three times weekly for 6 months. Complete response was seen in 31.2% of patients. Twenty-two children aged 4–14 years with chronic hepatitis B showing the similar characteristics were observed without treatment. Spontaneous seroconversion rate in this group was 4.5% ( p p