Hypothesis: Antagonism to interferon as a possible cause of the deleterious effects of corticosteroids in HBsAg-positive chronic active hepatitis

Corticosteroids hasten relapse and shorten survival of patients with HBsAg positive chronic active hepatitis. A hypothesis is advanced suggesting that the steroid hormones, acting as interferon antagonists, may compromise the establishment of a cellular anti-viral state. Under such circumstances the hepatitis virus replicates undisturbed, is propagated from cell to cell and precipitates terminal liver failure at a faster rate. The hypothesis provides a theoretical basis for condemning the administration of corticosteroids to patients with HBsAg positive chronic active hepatitis.