Induction and exacerbation of psoriasis with Interferon-alpha therapy for hepatitis C: a review and analysis of 36 cases

Background: Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) therapy is used to treat hepatitis C infection. The exacerbation and occurrence of psoriasis in hepatitis C patients treated with IFN-α is increasingly recognized, but the distinct associated features, aetiology and management have not been reviewed.

Objective: To review all published cases of hepatitis C patients who developed psoriasis while receiving IFN-α therapy.

Methods: The review was conducted by searching the PubMed database using the keywords 'hepatitis C' AND 'psoriasis.' In addition, references to additional publications not indexed for PubMed were followed to obtain a complete record of published data.

Results: We identified 32 publications describing 36 subjects who developed a psoriatic eruption while receiving IFN-α therapy for hepatitis C. Topical therapies were a commonly employed treatment modality, but led to resolution in only 30% of cases in which they were employed solely. Cessation of IFN-α therapy led to resolution in 93% of cases. Hundred per cent of those who developed psoriasis while on IFN-α therapy responded to systemic therapy and were able to continue the drug.

Conclusion: Further studies and analysis of IFN-α-induced lesions are necessary to clarify the role of IFN-α and the hepatitis C virus in the development of psoriatic lesions.