Interferon alpha-2b with antioxidants in combination therapy for community-acquired pneumonia in children: results of a randomized study

A prospective, open-label, randomized study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of inclusion of recombinant interferon α-2b with vitamins C and E (Viferon®) in combination therapy for community-acquired pneumonia in children.

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of interferon α-2b with antioxidants (Viferon® rectal suppositories and gel for topical use) as part of combination therapy for community-acquired pneumonia in children aged 1 to 17 years. The study was conducted in two parallel groups in November—December 2024: the main group (n = 76) received Viferon® plus standard therapy for community-acquired pneumonia according to the 2025 clinical guidelines of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation for 7—10 days; the comparison group (n = 65) received standard therapy alone for 7—10 days. A total of 141 children were randomized and allocated to two age strata: stratum I, children aged 1 to 7 years (n = 35; 15 in the main group and 20 in the comparison group), and stratum II, children aged 8 to 17 years (n = 106; 61 and 45 children, respectively).

Study results: In 2024, community-acquired pneumonia of mycoplasma etiology was recorded in 55% of cases and was accompanied by viral co-infection in 21% of cases (influenza A/B — 7%; SARS-CoV-2 — 14%). Clinically, community-acquired pneumonia most often had a focal-confluent pattern, was accompanied by fever ≥ 38 °C, and in most cases occurred without signs of respiratory failure, while broncho-obstructive syndrome was observed in every third child. Inclusion of Viferon® in combination therapy was associated with higher odds of clinical improvement by day 4 (OR = 8.11; 95% CI 3.18—23.28; p < 0.001), faster resolution of cough and chest pain, and between-group differences in selected laboratory parameters on day 7. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels on day 7 did not differ significantly between groups. No adverse reactions or side effects were reported in children receiving combination therapy with Viferon®.

Conclusions: Inclusion of Viferon® in combination therapy for community-acquired pneumonia in children was associated with faster regression of clinical symptoms and favorable changes in selected laboratory parameters, with no adverse reactions related to therapy recorded in the study.

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