title: Interferon-induced chronic active hepatitis?
abstract: A 54-year-old man with chronic B hepatitis was treated with interferon alfa. Despite resolution of the hepatitis B viral infection, he experienced severe jaundice, ascites, and encephalopathy. Further work-up showed hyperglobulinemia, chiefly immunoglobulin G, and positive smooth muscle and anti-nuclear antibodies. Because of these "autoimmune" features, the patient was treated with prednisone. One month later, a significant clinical and biochemical improvement was observed. A possible autoimmune mechanism induced by interferon alfa is proposed as the cause for the perpetuation of the necroinflammatory activity.
authors.affiliation: Division of Hepatology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Florida.
authors.forename: M O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.forename: K R
authors.initials: KR
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.forename: L J
authors.initials: LJ
authors.lastname: Jeffers
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: E R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Schiff
mesh_terms: D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000628:therapy; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011241:Prednisone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
chemical_list: D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011241:Prednisone