Side effects of high-dose INF therapy for HCV - Mass study
Various side effects have been reported in patients treated with
alpha IFN, but their incidence and prognosis remain unknown.
AIM : The aim of this study was to determine the incidence and
prognosis of various side effects of \alpha IFN in the patients
with chronic active hepatitis C (CAH-C) and the predisposition for
various side effects of \alpha IFN. 10 MU of \alpha IFN per day for
2 weeks and three times weekly for 22 weeks . Autoantibodies,
thyroid function tests, and fasting plasma glucose were evaluated
prior to IFN therapy.
RESULTS : Of the 971 patients, 307 were required reduction in
the dose of IFN to 3MU/day or cessation because of adverse
reactions such as flu-like symptoms, leukopenia, and
thrombocytopenia. Of the remaining 664, 5 developed diabetes
mellitus, 11 had hyperthyroidism, and 6 acquired hypothyroidism. Of
the 17 with thyroid disorders, 5 demonstrated microsomal antibody
before therapy. Forty-three patients revealed high or low
concentrations of TSH at the end of IFN therapy. Three patients
developed interstitial pneumonia, one acquired SLE-like symptom , 2
had autoimmune hepatitis , 2 developed rheumatoid arthritis , and
one developed autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura. No patients had
a history of an autoimmune disorder. Melena was seen in 3 patients
of which 2 were compatible with ischemic colitis. Symptoms of
depression were noted in 11 patients and one manifested memory
loss. Skin rash with itching was noted in 84 and 201 patients
reported the development of falling-out of hair.
CONCLUSION : High-dose\alpha IFN therapy induces various adverse
effects. Most of the side effects cannot be predictive, but are
reversible.
T Okanoue, S Sakamoto, Y Itoh, M Minami, Y Yasui, M Sakamto,
K Nishioji, and K Kashima. Third Dept. of Int. Med., Kyoto Pref.
Univ. of Med., Kyoto, Japan.
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