Development of ocular myasthenia during pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment for chronic hepatitis C.
10.3350/kjhep.2009.15.2.209
- Author:
Hyung Min KANG
1
;
Myung Jin PARK
;
Jeong Min HWANG
;
Jin Wook KIM
;
Sook Hyang JEONG
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea. Jsh@snubh.org
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Pegylated interferon;
Adverse effects;
Myasthenia Gravis;
Ocular;
Complications
- MeSH:
Antiviral Agents/*adverse effects/therapeutic use;
Drug Therapy, Combination;
Hepatitis C, Chronic/complications/*drug therapy;
Humans;
Interferon Alfa-2b/*adverse effects/therapeutic use;
Male;
Middle Aged;
Myasthenia Gravis/*chemically induced/*diagnosis;
Polyethylene Glycols/*adverse effects/therapeutic use;
Ribavirin/*adverse effects/therapeutic use
- From:The Korean Journal of Hepatology
2009;15(2):209-215
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
A 63-year-old male experienced sudden diplopia after 9 weeks of administration of pegylated interferon (IFN) alpha-2b and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C (CHC). Ophthalmologic examinations showed ptosis on the right upper lid and restricted right eye movement without any other neurological signs. A brain imaging study and repetitive nerve stimulation test indicated no abnormality. The acetylcholine receptor antibody titer and response to acetylcholinesterase inhibitors were negative, and the results of thyroid function tests were normal. The patient's ophthalmological symptoms improved rapidly 3 weeks after discontinuation of pegylated IFN alpha-2b and ribavirin. The ocular myasthenia associated with combination therapy of pegylated IFN alpha-2b and ribavirin for CHC is very rarely reported; therefore, we present this case with a review of the various eye complications of IFN therapy.
