MedInform

Journal of Medical and Dental Practice

www.medinform.bgISSN 2367-6795

Issue One 2014

2014, Vol. 1, issue 1, (October)

Publisher: MedInform LTD
ISSN: 2367-6795
Subject Collection: Some subject
Pages: 1-51
Date of close: 2014/10/14

Primary Research

Could Inosine pranobex and Ribavirin in combination restore immune competence in chronic HCV advanced liver disease?

Abstract:

The management of patients with advanced chronic HCV liver disease is still a problem. There is insufficient data about the role of immunomodulatory agents. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the benefit of prolonged co-administration of Inosine pranobex (Isoprinosine) and Ribavirin in patients with HCV advanced liver disease and to assess the dynamics of the IP-10 serum levels and thus – changes in the immune status of patients. Methods: Five patients (2 males, 3 females; median age 63), with chronic HCV genotype 1 infection were studied (with failed standard bi-therapy). All patients received Ribavirin and Isoprinosine. HCVRNA was measured at baseline and at day 40, month 3, 6 and 12 during treatment. IP-10 levels – at baseline and at day 10, 20, 40, 60, month 3, 6 and 12. Results: IP-10 levels were elevated in all patients at the baseline. An increase at day 10 or 20 was found in 4/5 patients and reduction at day 40 or 60 in same 4 patients. At month 12 the levels were significantly reduced (P=0.043). There was also an initially slight increase of ALT and subsequent reduction (P=0.043). The count of platelets increased in 4/5 patients. No effect on viral load was found. Conclusion: The therapeutic regime is well tolerated, no severe adverse events were documented. An improvement of the disease severity and liver inflammation were observed, with no effect on the viral load. We found reduction of IP-10 levels at month 12 – a sign of immune competence restoration.

Authors:

Nina Nikolova; University Hospital „St. Ivan Rilski“, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Medical University – Sofia Bulgaria;
Krasimir Antonov; University Hospital „St. Ivan Rilski“, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Medical University – Sofia Bulgaria;
Lyudmila Mateva; University Hospital „St. Ivan Rilski“, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Medical University – Sofia Bulgaria;
Zahariy Krastev; University Hospital „St. Ivan Rilski“, Clinic of Gastroenterology, Medical University – Sofia Bulgaria;

Corresponding Author:

Nina Nikolova ; University Hospital St. Ivan Rilski Clinic of Gastroenterology; 15 Akad. Ivan Geshov Blvd., Sofia 1431, Bulgaria; 0886 774 258; Email this author