Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease occurring during interferon alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis C

J Gastroenterol. 2004 Nov;39(11):1106-9. doi: 10.1007/s00535-004-1452-4.

Abstract

Retinal abnormalities, including retinal hemorrhage and "cotton-wool" spots, often occur within the first 8 weeks in the course of interferon therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Here, we describe a case of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease occurring 4 months after the start of interferon alpha treatment, probably induced by the immunomodulatory effects of interferon. Therefore, we conclude that chronic hepatitis C patients, especially people with darkly pigmented skin, need to be closely monitored for ophthalmologic complications, by periodic check-up of the optic fundi, for a prolonged period, during interferon treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Skin Pigmentation
  • Time Factors
  • Uveomeningoencephalitic Syndrome / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins