gamma-Glutamyl transpeptidase as a response predictor when using alpha-interferon to treat hepatitis C

Backgound/Aims: This study was performed to identify response predictors for Interferon therapy given to patients with chronic hepatitis C. Materials and Methods: The biochemical measures of liver injury that characterize viral hepatitis due to hepatitis C were followed prospectively in 84 individuals treated with α-Interferon. In addition, the liver histology and the hepatic iron content of these same individuals, prior to the initiation of Interferon therapy, were determined. Results: Patients not responding to the interferon therapy showed an increase in liver iron content from an average of 337 ug/g wet weight. In responder to a value of 1075 μg/g wet weight in non responders. γ-glutamyl transpeptidase levels in responders were significantly lower than in partial or non-responders. Conclusions: Both the hepatic iron content of the liver and the γ-glutamyl transpeptidase value prior to treatment were able to predict a clinical response to Interferon therapy. More importantly, the γ-glutamyl transpeptidase level measured in serum could be used to monitor the IFN response during treatment and was found to predict clinical exacerbations of hepatitis following withdrawal of interferon therapy.