| Theme |
Interferon Therapy for Viral Hepatitis : an Update Reference |
| Title |
Point of Interferon Therapy for Elderly Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C |
| Author |
Akito Sakai |
Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Kanazawa University |
| Author |
Shuichi Kaneko |
Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Kanazawa University |
| [ Summary ] |
Over half of Japanese chronic hepatitis C patients are elderly. Their degree of liver fibrosis is often advanced. Because most of hepatocellular carcinoma patients are elderly, IFN therapy to elderly patients is more important. However, the frequency of IFN therapy for elderly patients is not adequate. Physicians should consider IFN therapy for elderly patients. The efficacy of IFN therapy for elderly patients in serogroup 1, with high viral titer levels is less than that of young patients. However the differences in efficacy of IFN therapy for elderly or young patients is the same as for those infected with serogroup 2 or low titer viremia. Concerning the appropriate peginterferon age, compliance with IFN therapy has improved from previous levels for elderly patients. However, elderly patients often have complications. Physicians should consider correct dosages of IFN and / or Ribavirin to prevent patients from terminating therapy. |