Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Only randomised controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the meta-analysis. Some summary data is also presented from 10 uncontrolled studies.
Specific interventions included in the review
Lymphoblastoid IFN-alpha, recombinant IFN-alpha 2a, IFN-alpha 2b, and IFN-alpha 2c were investigated. The type of recombinant IFN-alpha was not stated in several studies.
Participants included in the review
Patients with chronic HDV infection were included.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The main outcome was a sustained improvement in clinical condition and quality of life for at least 12 months after treatment. Improvement was assessed in terms of sustained normal transaminase level, loss of HDV viraemia, reduced progression of liver activity, and increased survival. Partial response was defined as widespread improvement of clinical and laboratory values, but not complete return to normal, or relapse after suspension of treatment. Non-response was defined as no change in pathology with treatment.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
The authors do not state how the papers were selected for the review, or how many of the authors performed the selection.