Treatment of chronic hepatitis C in children with pegylated interferon α2a and ribavirin--a multi-center study.

Pegylated interferon α and ribavirin in treatment of chronic hepatitis C in children is used rarely. The aim of the study was to find prognostic factors for sustained virological response and to analyze the safety of pegylated interferon α2a and ribavirin in children with chronic hepatitis C. The study covered a group of 44 children, mean age 14 years, with diagnosed chronic hepatitis C. Clinical, biochemical and virological parameters, as well as side effects were evaluated. Combined treatment allowed to obtain sustained virological response in a total of 77.5% of the treated children. Lower viral load and lower fibrosis grade contributed to sustained virological response. The response was not gender-related. The best response is obtained in children whose treatment was started after they attained the age of 10 years. Therapy with pegylated interferon α2a and ribavirin is well tolerated by pediatric patients.

[Helminth fauna of rodents (Arvicolidae and Muridae) from the Kampinos National Park]. / Helmintofauna przewodu pokarmowego gryzoni (Rodentia: Arvicolidae i Muridae) z Kampinoskiego Parku Narodowego.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to examine the parasite fauna of rodents living in natural environment, but in close contact with human seats (small village at the area of the natural big forest). MATERIAL AND METHODS: 169 rodents from family Arvicolidae and Muridae were examined. The material comprised: Microtus arvalis--5 specimens, Mus musculus--131, Apodemus silvaticus--9, Apodemus flavicollis--8, Apodemus agrarius--14 and Micromys minutus--2 specimens, collected between April 2003 and July 2004. RESULTS: The examination of some internal organs (alimentary tract, liver, lungs, kidneys, heart, body cavity) revealed the occurence of 8 helminth species: 3 species of Cestoda (Paranoplocephala macrocephala, Hymenolepis diminuta, Taenia taeniaeformis) and 5 species of Nematoda (Heterakis spumosa, Aspiculuris tetraptera, Syphacia obvelata, Heligmosomoides polygyrum, Mastophorus muris), all in the alimentary tract (including liver). The helminth fauna of every rodent species was determined, as well as seasonal dynamics of their frequency. It was stated that only the species which realize the complex life cycle undergo some seasonal fluctuations of their abundance. Additionally the distribution of particular helminth species along the alimentary tract of their hosts was described.