The aim of the present study was to evaluate the treatment of chronic hepatitis B with interferon alpha in 1-5 year-old children. Interferon was administered subcutaneously, 3 times a week, in the dose of 3 mln units throughout 20 weeks (60 doses in total). As a result of the therapy, a HBsAg/antiHBs seroconversion was obtained in 51% of cases, the normalisation of A1AT activity - in 74%, and the remission in histopathological picture occurred in 47% of cases. The efficiency of the treatment seems to be even better in the youngest patients - up to 3rd year of life, as 'e' seroconversion was observed in 66%; of cases. Side effects that occurred in the course of the therapy were of short duration and did not require the discontinuation of the treatment.

Keywords: chronic hepatitis B, chronic hepatitis B, interferon alpha, children