Autoimmune hemolytic anemia during PEG-interferon and ribavirin treatment for hepatitis C.
- Author:
Ji Youn YU
1
;
Chang Wook KIM
;
Jin Dong KIM
;
Jeong Hyun KWON
;
Jeong Won JANG
;
Seung Kew YOON
;
Chang Don LEE
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. cwkim@catholic.ac.kr
- Publication Type:Case Report
- Keywords:
Chronic hepatitis C;
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia;
Retinal hemorrhage;
PEG-interferon
- MeSH:
Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune;
Autoimmune Diseases;
Follow-Up Studies;
Hemolysis;
Hemorrhage;
Hepatitis;
Hepatitis C;
Hepatitis C, Chronic;
Humans;
Korea;
Middle Aged;
Retinal Hemorrhage;
Retinaldehyde;
Ribavirin
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
2010;78(2):226-230
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
The current best treatment for HCV infection is combination therapy with PEG-interferon and ribavirin. This combination therapy has markedly increased the number of sustained virologic responders but is associated with various side effects, especially hematological abnormalities. We recently experienced a 45-year-old man who developed PEG-interferon induced autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and retinal premacular hemorrhage. The worsening hemolysis after ribavirin withdrawal and exclusion of other causes implicated PEG-interferon as the cause of the AIHA. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported from Korea. Treatment with PEG-interferon requires careful follow-up, as it can induce or exacerbate autoimmune diseases.
