Hepatitis D Medication

  • Author: Praveen K Roy, MD, AGAF; Chief Editor: Julian Katz, MD   more...
 
Updated: Dec 2, 2011
 

Medication Summary

Antiviral therapy with interferon alfa can be considered in patients with chronic infection. The treatment course is usually at least 1 year. Treating children with interferon alfa seems to be safe but is relatively ineffective. Treatment is not needed for patients with coinfection, given the high spontaneous clearance rates. Lamivudine, ribavirin, and corticosteroids have not been effective in treatment.

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Interferons

Class Summary

These are naturally produced proteins with antiviral, antitumor, and immunomodulatory actions.

Interferon alfa-2a (Roferon)

 

Interferon alfa-2a has been used in several small studies to treat hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection. Dosages varying from 3-10 mU 3 times per week for as long as 12 months have been used. At the end of therapy, loss of HDV RNA and normalization of liver enzymes was seen in 50% of patients treated with 9 mU 3 times per week and 21% in those treated with 3 mU. Half the responders remained in biochemical remission after cessation of therapy, while no patients maintained a virologic response after cessation. Histologic improvement was observed in patients treated with interferon.

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Contributor Information and Disclosures
Author

Praveen K Roy, MD, AGAF  Gastroenterologist, Ochsner Clinic Foundation; Adjunct Associate Research Scientist, Lovelace Respiratory Research Institute; Editor-in-Chief, The Internet Journal of Gasteroenterology; Editorial Board, Signal Transduction Insights; Editorial Board, The Internet Journal of Epidemiology; Editorial Board, Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Review Letter

Praveen K Roy, MD, AGAF is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Gastroenterology, American Gastroenterological Association, and American Society of Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Coauthor(s)

Sean R Lacey, MD  Associate Professor of Gastroenterology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine

Sean R Lacey, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Physicians, and American Gastroenterological Association

Disclosure: astra zenaca Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Chief Editor

Julian Katz, MD  Clinical Professor of Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine

Julian Katz, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Physicians, American Gastroenterological Association, American Geriatrics Society, American Medical Association, American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy, American Society of Law, Medicine & Ethics, American Trauma Society, Association of American Medical Colleges, and Physicians for Social Responsibility

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Additional Contributors

David Eric Bernstein, MD Director of Hepatology, North Shore University Hospital; Professor of Clinical Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine

David Eric Bernstein, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, American College of Gastroenterology, American College of Physicians, American Gastroenterological Association, and American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

References

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  8. Makuwa M, Mintsa-Ndong A, Souquière S, Nkoghé D, Leroy EM, Kazanji M. Prevalence and molecular diversity of hepatitis B virus and hepatitis delta virus in urban and rural populations in northern Gabon in central Africa. J Clin Microbiol. Jul 2009;47(7):2265-8. [Medline]. [Full Text].

  9. Wedemeyer H, Yurdaydìn C, Dalekos GN, Erhardt A, Çakaloglu Y, Degertekin H, et al. Peginterferon plus adefovir versus either drug alone for hepatitis delta. N Engl J Med. Jan 27 2011;364(4):322-31. [Medline].

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