title: [Interferon-associated retinopathy].
abstract: During interferon (IFN) treatment for chronic hepatitis C, retinopathy develops in about one half of the patients. This "IFN-associated retinopathy" is characterized by cotton-wool spots (ischemic lesions) and superficial hemorrhage around the optic disc. It usually occurs 1 to 3 months after initiation of IFN therapy. Most of the patients with retinopathy have no symptoms, while some complain of impairment of visual acuity or flying specks. IFN-associated retinopathy tends to improve without any ophthalmic treatment and IFN therapy can be continued under careful observation. A complication of diabetes mellitus or a decrease in platelet count during IFN treatment may aggravate IFN-associated retinopathy. We emphasize that careful ophthalmologic follow-up is needed for all patients under IFN therapy.
authors.affiliation: Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Okuno
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hirota
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Shiozaki
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Inoue
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Hagihara
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Sugasawa
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Okami
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D007372:Interferons