Treatment of chronic type B hepatitis in Southeast Asia.

In Southeast Asia, a significant portion of the population were carriers of hepatitis B, with many progressing to severe liver conditions. Previous treatments, including immunosuppressive and antiviral therapies, were largely ineffective. A study involving 45 patients compared human lymphoblastoid interferon, with or without prednisolone, to a placebo. Results indicated that interferon therapy was more effective than placebo, despite some side effects like flu-like symptoms, hair loss, and weight loss. These findings suggested that human lymphoblastoid interferon was a promising and safe treatment for hepatitis B in Oriental patients.