Background. The therapeutic effects of recombinant interferons were studied during the past decades. It was proven that this group of the drugs has antiviral effects based on inhibition of viral invasion inside of the cells, replication, and activation of immune defense mechanisms. The number of the drugs containing interferon includes nasal drops, parenteral forms and rectal suppositoria. The evidence that rectal forms are more comfortable for the children is basing on the fact that its absorption from the rectum is comparable to those which has parenteral way of administration. The interest for this study was enhanced by the fact that domestic drug Vitaferon has wide range of doses and also contains ascorbinic acid as the antioxidant component.
Methods. It was the non-interventional, open-label, parallel group prospective trial with the follow-up period of 3 months. The study started in December 2013, which seems to be the pre-epidemic period. The children were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group A received Vitaferon for the prevention of ARVI according to scheme during 15 days. Group B received only non-specific prophylaxis of ARVI. After treatment period the ARVI morbidity was assessed in both groups.
Results. The demographic characteristics of the groups were equal which proves their identity. Also the previous morbidity rate and presence of chronic foci of infection in the groups were similar. In the post-treatment phase the ARVI morbidity in the group A was significantly lower in comparison with the group B. The number of complicated cases and duration of the single ARVI episode were less in the group A. Low relative risk for the ARVI development in the group A confirmed the effect of the drug.
Conclusion. It was proven that administration of Vitaferon may reduce the morbidity rate for ARVI in the pre-epidemic period. This drug seems to be well tolerable and safe.