Sulphasalazine treatment in hepatitis B virus (HBV) associated chronic active hepatitis (CAH)- a pilot study.

摘要

This paper reports on a pilot study into the use of sulphasalazine in the treatment of Hepatitis B Virus associated Chronic Active Hepatitis. Recent evidence suggests that sulphasalazine has an immunosuppressive effect in addition to its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial effects. Clinical examination and laboratory tests were performed on five patients to establish parameters. The patients were treated with sulphasalazine one gram four times daily for one week, followed by one gram three times daily for six months. No other form of therapy was given. After six months therapy clinical examination and laboratory tests were repeated. In those patients who were jaundiced this cleared during treatment and did not recur. No patient developed any other symptom referable to their liver disease. Four of the patients returned to normal or near normal levels by the end of six months. The fifth patient, who did not comply with treatment, suffered increased fibrosis. Initial biochemical response suggests he may have improved had he persisted with therapy.