Severe exacerbation of hepatitis C-associated vasculitic neuropathy following treatment with interferon alpha: a case report and literature review

Muscle Nerve. 2002 Jun;25(6):909-13. doi: 10.1002/mus.10118.

Abstract

Vasculitic neuropathy may occur in association with chronic hepatitis C infection. Interferon alpha (IFN(alpha)), an effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C, can precipitate or worsen autoimmune diseases. We report a patient with chronic hepatitis C and mild indolent vasculitic sensorimotor peripheral polyneuropathy, who developed severe mononeuropathy multiplex soon after IFN(alpha) was initiated, and review the literature on worsening vasculitic neuropathy after IFN(alpha) treatment for chronic hepatitis C. Care should be taken after starting patient with chronic hepatitis C-associated vasculitic neuropathy on IFN(alpha), as there is evidence that IFN(alpha) may exacerbate the neuropathy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Chronic Disease
  • Electrodiagnosis
  • Hepacivirus / isolation & purification
  • Hepatitis C / complications*
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C / physiopathology
  • Humans
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / complications*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / diagnosis
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / physiopathology
  • RNA, Viral / blood
  • Remission Induction
  • Steroids
  • Vasculitis / complications*
  • Vasculitis / diagnosis
  • Vasculitis / physiopathology

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Interferon-alpha
  • RNA, Viral
  • Steroids