Interferon for Older Patients with Hepatitis C?

IFN therapy was associated with improved survival and reduced risk for hepatocellular carcinoma in those with initial platelet counts <150,000 mm³.

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma and death. Although treatment with interferon (IFN) can reduce the risk for these complications, the side effects can be substantial, particularly in older patients. Furthermore, many have considered IFN’s benefit to be reduced in older patients because of their short life expectancy. In a recent retrospective study conducted in Tokyo, researchers examined the effect of IFN treatment in a cohort of patients aged ≥60 with chronic HCV infection (454 who received IFN therapy and 1463 who did not).

Among patients with initial platelet counts <150,000 mm³, the risk for hepatocellular carcinoma was significantly lower among IFN-therapy recipients than among nonrecipient…

Reviewing Author

Neil M. Ampel, MD

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Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Neil M. Ampel, MD

Disclosures

Editorial BoardsUpToDate

Leadership Positions in Professional SocietiesCoccidioidomycosis Study Group (Past President, Secretary, Treasurer)

Interferon for Older Patients with Hepatitis C?

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Reviewing Author