Benelux multicentre trial of alpha interferon treatment for chronic hepatitis C: standard v high dose treatment monitored by biochemical and virological markers (interim analysis). Benelux Multicentre Trial Study Group.

In an interim analysis of the Benelux trial, no difference in alanine aminotransferase normalisation has been found between the high (6 million units) and standard (3 million units) doses of interferon alfa-2b during the first eight weeks of treatment. The probability of achieving normal alanine aminotransferase activity on at least two successive occasions during treatment is 65% for the standard dose and 73% for the higher dose. Measurement of plasma hepatitis C virus-RNA suggests that hepatitis C virus-RNA negativity after four weeks of treatment is a prerequisite for sustained response to interferon alfa-2b.