[Level of serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha and the degree of liver fibrosis in children with chronic viral hepatitis B, C and B+C, treated with interferon-alpha].

Children with chronic virus hepatitis B and C, as well as combined chronic virus hepatitis B + C, were found to have a higher level of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in their serum than healthy children. Complete clinical and virological response to treatment with interferon-alpha is accompanied by a decreased inflammation and fibrosis of the liver, as well as by a decreased level of TNF-alpha, in comparison with nonresponsive patients. Positive correlation between the level of TNF-alpha and the degree of liver fibrosis in sick children was noted.