Efficacy of induction therapy with high-dose interferon for patients with hemophilia and human immunodeficiency virus-hepatitis C virus coinfection.

Abstract

To evaluate the efficacy of high-dose interferon (IFN) on human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, 15 HIV-positive patients and 15 age-matched HIV-negative patients with hemophilia were treated with 9 million units (MU) of IFN-alpha2a daily for 2 weeks, followed by 9 MU of IFN-alpha2a 3 times/week for a further 22 weeks. At week 2, HIV RNA levels decreased from 7410+/-2190 to 320+/-130 copies/mL, and HCV RNA levels decreased from 390x10(3)+/-80x10(3) to 70x10(3)+/-30x10(3) copies/mL in the HIV-positive group and from 300x10(3)+/-80x10(3) to 10x10(3)+/-10x10(3) copies/mL in the HIV-negative group. HCV RNA was undetectable after treatment in 4 of 12 HIV-positive and 6 of 15 HIV-negative patients. IFN therapy was discontinued because of adverse effects in 3 HIV-positive patients. Induction therapy and the dose of IFN should be evaluated in combination therapy with IFN and ribavirin.