Chronic delta hepatitis: a single-center experience

Aim: Chronic Delta Hepatitis (CDH) is characterized by rapid progressive liver disease. The only treatment option accepted today is pegylated interferon. In this study, we aimed to share the results of the patients who were diagnosed with delta hepatitis and completed the treatment in our hospital, which is the only health care center in Siirt province, which is the eastern province of Siirt, Turkey. Materials and Methods: Anti HDV antibodies were evaluated in all patients with chronic hepatitis B. All Anti HDV and HDV RNA positive patients were included in this study. The files of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. HDV RNA levels, transaminases, and prothrombin times, abdominal ultrasonographic examinations, and liver biopsies of these patients were recorded. In the patients who started pegylated IFN treatment, transaminases levels and HDV RNA values were recorded at 3,6, and 12 months. A total of 22 patients were positive for HDV RNA. Four of all patients did not accept the treatment. Due to depression, two patients could not be treated, and one patient could not be treated because of deep thrombocytopenia. The treatment was discontinued due to non-compliance with the treatment in 4 patients. Results: A total of 11 patients received 48 weeks of pegylated IFN treatment. Four patients had a permanent viral response. One patient was unresponsive to treatment. Relapse was observed in six patients. All alanine transaminase levels of the patients who had viral response decreased to normal range. The most common side effects are weakness, rash, headache, depression. Discussion: Unfortunately, CDH is not being treated successfully. However, as in our study, a permanent viral response can be obtained in one of three patients and prevented from circulating to these patients. In order to succeed in the treatment of delta hepatitis, further studies are needed and more effective antivirals are needed.