[Interferon or C virus-induced autoimmune chronic hepatitis? Report of personal observations and review of the literature].
Chronic persistent hepatitis C in a 35 year-old man treated for nine months with interferon, converted into autoimmune chronic hepatitis. Prior to this conversion, the laboratory cell-integrity parameters of C hepatitis had permanently returned to normal, and HCV RNA had become negative. Prior to the initiation of treatment with interferon, no autoimmune antibodies had been present. On the basis of reports in the literature, the possible pathogenesis of this conversion is discussed, with two major mechanisms being considered: 1. induction of the autoimmune process by interferon, and 2. the "unmasking" of a pre-existing autoimmune process in the later course of chronic virus C hepatitis.
Eisenburg
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J
D000328:Adult; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000032:analysis; D001706:Biopsy; D056487:Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury, Chronic; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007372:Interferons / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008099:Liver / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use
D001323:Autoantibodies; D007372:Interferons; D011239:Prednisolone