[Interferon-associated retinopathy].
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.
Okuno
H
H
Third Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University.
Hirota
T
T
Shiozaki
Y
Y
Inoue
K
K
Hagihara
M
M
Sugasawa
K
K
Okami
T
T
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
D007372:Interferons