Incorporation of Porcine Thymic Peptides into the Treatment of Fulminant Viral Hepatitis

Abstract

Fulminant viral hepatitis is a serious disorder resulting from massive hepatic necrosis or sudden and severe impairment of liver function in a patient who has had no evidence of previous liver disease. Lately, exchange blood transfusion, charcoal hemoperfusion and hemodialysis with polyacrylonitrile have recently been introduced into the treatment of the disease, but its mortality remains high (>70%) (Gimson, 1982). Recent investigation of the pathogenesis in China reveals that most patients with this disease are complicated with severe deficiency of cellular immunity in addition to defect in general host defense. With these new findings in mind, we have conducted a trial using a low-molecular-weight thymic hormone preparation (thymic peptides) in our treatment protocol. To our regret, we have been unable to find in the English language medical literature any report of incorporation of thymic peptide into the treatment of patients with fulminant viral hepatitis.