Neuropsychiatric Complications Associated with Interferon Alfa Therapy for Chronic Viral Hepatitis.
- Author:
Bai Young KIM
1
;
Jin Whan KOOK
;
Yoo Jung CHOI
;
Kyung Chul KIM
;
Sung Pyo HONG
;
Pil Won PARK
;
Kyu Sung RIM
;
Shin Young SEO
Author Information
1. Department of Internal Medicine, Pochun CHA university, Pundang CHA General Hospital, Kyonggi-do, College of Medicine Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Neuropsychiatric complication;
Organic personality syndrome;
Organic affective syndrome;
Alfa-interferon
- MeSH:
Consciousness;
Delirium;
Depression;
Dihydroergotamine;
Hepatitis*;
Humans;
Interferon-alpha*;
Interferons*;
Paranoid Disorders;
Seizures
- From:Korean Journal of Medicine
1998;54(4):546-551
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
Alfa-interferon(IFN) has become the major therapeutic modality for chronic viral hepatitis. The spectrum of side effects is one of the main drawbacks of this treatment. Alfa-INF is known to lead to neuropsychiatric sym ptoms. Neuropsychiatric toxicity, including cognitive dys function, irritability, personality changes and emotional instability cause interpersonal problems, discontinuation of work and domestic discord. Other more serious IFN- induced signs of neurotoxicity include delirium, depres sion and seizures. The psychiatric side effects fell into three categories: an organic personality syndrome charac terized by irritability, and short temper; an organic affective syndrome marked by extreme emotional lability, depression and tearfulness; and a delirium marked by clouding of consciousness, agitation, paranoia, and suicial potential. These complications are thought to be revers ible with dose reduction or cessation of therapy. There fore it is important that physicians, patients and their families are informed about the potential risk of the emotional and psychiatric disturbances that can occur during alfa-INF therapy. We report three patients who had neuropsychiatric complications during long-term interferon alfa therapy.
