title: Exacerbation of psoriasis due to interferon-alpha treatment of chronic active hepatitis.
abstract: Interferon-alpha is an immune modulating drug which is indicated for the treatment of chronic viral hepatitis B and C. Several previous reports have suggested an association between treatment of patients with interferon-alpha and the development or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases. We report two patients with chronic viral hepatitis in whom treatment with interferon-alpha was associated with dramatic worsening of previously diagnosed psoriasis, necessitating discontinuation of the drug.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Guthrie Clinic, Sayre, Pennsylvania.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Georgetson
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Yarze
authors.forename: A T
authors.initials: AT
authors.lastname: Lalos
authors.forename: G F
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Webster
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Martin
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D016898:Interferon-alpha