Fallahi Ghi, Ezadyar M, Fathi A,
Volume 64, Issue 10 (2 2006)
Abstract
Background: Major thalassemia is relatively common in Iran and in looking of their need to recurrent transfusion their high risk for acquisition of HCV is revealed. These patients also suffer form liver hemosiderosis that accelerate disease excursion to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. In this study combined therapy with interferon and amantadin has been evaluated.
Methods: This prospective clinical trail has been done on thalasemic patients that had been contaminated by HCV and had laboratory signs of hepatitis. During years of 81-82, 26 patients admitted at Children Mmedical Center with major thalassemia and HCV hepatitis. Inclusion criteria were positive HCV-RNA, high ALT and histologic evidence of hepatitis in liver biopsy and exclusion criteria were history of incomplete treatment any contraindication of IFN or amantadin-emergence of drugs adverse reactions, to intending of these criteria 10 case of them had situation for treatment and follow-up.
Results: In 10 cases, treatment with IFN - 2b in doses 3 mu for every square meter of body surface three times in week subcutaneously and cap. Amantadin in doses 100 mg po B.d for 6 months was done and after it, 8 cases were negative for HCV-RNA (8%) and in 6 patients, ALT turned to normal (60%) and in 2 other case ALT decrease to lower than 50% of pretreatment value. None of them showed drug adverse reactions and response to therapy was better in lower ages. No relation between response to therapy and liver hemosiderosis, inflammation and sexuality was found.
Conclusion: Combined therapy with IFN and Amantadin is effective in HCV treatment and for lower recurrence, treatment period longer than 24 wk, such as 48 wk is recommended
Farahmand F, Khatami Gh, Mehrabi V.a, Mahjoob F, Ezadyar M, Mehdizadeh M,
Volume 65, Issue 2 (8 2008)
Abstract
Background: The aim of this study was to review the frequency, histopathology and outcome in children with tumors of the liver.
Methods: Included in this retrospective/descriptive study were 30 children treated for liver tumors from 1375-1384 (ca. 1996-2005), at Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Tehran, Iran. We included the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic data of our patients, focusing on the frequency, etiology and outcome.
Results: Patient ages ranged from three months to 12 years (median 3.8 years), with 18 males (60%) and 12 females (40%). Of these, 17 patients had hepatoblastoma (55.66%), including 13 males and four females, with an age range of six months to five years. Four cases (13.33%) had neuroblastoma. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) was found in three cases (10%), all of whom were carriers of hepatitis B. Two cases (6.66%) were diagnosed with mesenchymal hamartoma, two cases (6.66%) with hemangioendothelioma and two cases (6.66%) with rhabdomyosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma of the biliary tract. Abdominal swelling and hepatomegaly were seen in all of patients. Jaundice was observed in two cases. Serum alpha-fetoprotein levels greater than 500 ng/ml were seen in 17 cases (56.66%). All patients were receiving specific treatment. The three-year survival rate was 65% for hepatoblastoma and 2% for HCC
Conclusion: With the introduction of specific treatment, the survival rate for children with tumors of the liver has significantly increased. Further improvement can be achieved using diagnostic biopsy for hepatoblastoma, although it may result in complications, and preoperative chemotherapy followed by complete surgical excision (per International Society of Pediatric Oncology guidelines), yielding an outstanding survival rate of 80%.
