Sarcoidosis associated with interferon-alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis C

Med Sci Monit. 2004 Jan;10(1):CS5-7.

Abstract

Background: Recombinant interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha ) is widely used for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Pulmonary side effects of IFN-alpha therapy seem to be rare. So far, only a few cases of sarcoidosis in association with IFN-alpha treatment of chronic hepatitis C have been

Case report: A 52-year-old woman with chronic hepatitis C developed sarcoidosis during treatment with IFN-alpha. Diagnosis of sarcoidosis was based on chest imaging studies, the increased serum angiotensin converting enzyme levels, and the histology of a biopsied cervical lymph node. Spontaneous remission was observed following IFN-alpha withdrawal.

Conclusions: Use of recombinant IFN-alpha in patients with chronic hepatitis C may trigger or contribute to the development of sarcoidosis in susceptible individuals. Patients should be monitored during and following IFN-alpha therapy for the occurrence of manifestations suggesting sarcoidosis.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
  • Female
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
  • Lung Diseases / diagnosis
  • Lung Diseases / etiology*
  • Middle Aged
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Sarcoidosis / diagnosis
  • Sarcoidosis / etiology*

Substances

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