Retinal complications during interferon therapy for chronic
hepatitis
Title Abreviation: Am J Gastroenterol
Date of Pub: 1996 Feb
Author: Kawano T; Shigehira M; Uto H; Nakama T; Kato J; Hayashi K; Maruyama T; Kuribayashi T; Chuman T; Futami T; Tsubouchi H;
Issue/Part/Supplement: 2 Volume Issue: Pagination: 309-13 91
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: Various side effects of interferon (IFN) therapy have been reported. In this study, we examined retinal change during IFN therapy.
METHODS: We performed ophthalmological examinations before, during, and after therapy on 63 patients with chronic hepatitis C who were receiving either natural IFA-alpha or recombinant IFN-alpha 2a or 2b.
RESULTS: No retinal lesion was detected before IFN therapy, but, during therapy, retinal abnormality or retinopathy developed in 36 (57.1%) of 63 patients, including retinal hemorrhage in 25 patients and cotton-wool spots in 28 patients. They were noted early in the course of IFN therapy, within the first 4 wk in 67% (24/36) and within 8 wk in 86% (31/36). The incidence was not influenced by the type of IFN but was higher among diabetic (11/12, 92%, p less than 0.05) or hypertensive patients (4/5, 80%, not significant) than among patients without either diabetes or hypertension (24/49, 49%). There was no relation between the incidence of retinopathy and the level of ALT activity or white blood cell or platelet counts. However, retinopathy occurred in most patients receiving IFN therapy after white blood cell count and platelet count reached a nadir. The levels of LDL-cholesterol and the atherosclerotic index in patients with retinopathy were slightly higher than those in the patients without retinopathy.
CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that retinopathy often occurs in patients with chronic hepatitis C who are receiving IFN and that we should closely monitor patients for retinal complications during IFN therapy.
Abstract By: Author
Address: Second Department of Internal Medicine, Miyazaki Medical College, Japan.
New Mexico Offers Free Hepatitis C Hotline
Finally being recognized as the widespread, public health problem that it is, the New Mexico Department of Health has taken a giant step forward to help people with Hepatitis C. By launching a new, toll-free phone number, locals concerned about...
Highly Effective Against HCV Genotype 1
When tested on people with Hepatitis C genotype 1, R7128 proved to be an effective addition to combination therapy after just four weeks' time. In addition to its anti-viral effect, polymerase inhibitor R7128 received good marks for safety and minimal...