Effects of interferon therapy onfunctional activity of platelets in chronic viral hepatitis andcirrhosis of the liver

Abstract

Aim. To characterize effects of interferon alpha (If-a) on functional activity of platelets in patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) and viral hepatic cirrhosis (VHC). Material and methods. Induced platelet aggregation (PA), spontaneous PA, levels of cAMP, cGMP and glycogen in platelets, plasm beta-thromboglobulin (bTG) and activity of thrombocytic factor 4 (TF4) were measured in 95 patients before, 4.5h after the first If-a introduction, after 12 and 24 weeks of If-a treatment. Results. The patients demonstrated low induced PA, intracellular glycogen and high cAMP, b- TG amd TF4. The initial administration of If-a led to normalization of most of functional platelet indices. A 24-h course of If-a therapy normalized platelet functions irrespective of stability of the virusological response. Conclusion. If-a preparations in single and multiple administrations normalize platelet function.

Keywords

• chronic viral hepatitis
• viral hepatic cirrhosis
• interferon alpha
• platelets