Khalid Amin, Israr Kafeel, Zafar Alam, Muhammad Zakria, Masood Javaid.
Role of Amantadine in treatment of chronic Hepatitis C.
Professional Med J Jan ;11(3):253-60.

Background: Interferon afla (IFN-alfa ) is the only effective treatment for patients with Chronic hepatitis C. Forty percent of patients have an initial response to therapy. But most subsequently relapse. Amantadine, an antiviral agent, in addition ability, of preferably concentrating in liver , has shown a role in reducing hepatic inflammation and suppressing viral replication . The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety Of amantadine for treatment of chronic infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Design: Prospective study. Period: From January 2002 to Dec 2003, Setting: Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Methods: Fifty patients either naive or interferon resistant, with age range of 18-65 years. were enrolled and treated with amantadine 100mg orally twice daily for six month. Control groups included the same cohort followed of therapy for 12-18 month or during therapy with interferon. All patients were assessed for safety. Tolerance and efficacy at the end of every month during treatment was completed. Patients were followed up for an additional six month to assess durability of response. The primary end - point were loss of detectable HCV-RNA six month after cessation of therapy. Findings: Out of 50 patients treated for six months with amantadine compared to intervals without therapy or to interferon therapy, 17 (34%) had normal serum alanive aminotransferase (ALT)values and had cleared HCV RNA in serum by the end of treatment. The sustained virological response was found in 11patients with an undetectable serum HCV RNA level six month after therapy Baseline low serum HCV RNA levels were associated with higher rates of Response. During the therapeutic trial, amantadine caused no potential treatment limiting side effects but had a good safety profile. Interpretation: Therapy with amantadine results in biochemical as well as virological response both in the naive and interferon resistant cases of chronic hepatitis C.

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