An unusual axonal polyneuropathy induced by low-dose interferon alfa-2a.
OBJECTIVE
To describe a patient who developed an unusual polyneuropathy after treatment with interferon alfa-2a for hepatitis C and to discuss issues related to diagnosis and pathogenesis.


METHODS
Case report.


METHODS
Tertiary care center.


METHODS
A 46-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C had acute onset of an axonal polyneuropathy with prominent small-fiber involvement shortly after completing a standard 6-month course of therapy with low-dose interferon alfa-2a.


RESULTS
Further interferon treatment for hepatitis C was discontinued.


CONCLUSIONS
Standard, low-dose interferon alfa-2a treatment can produce a persistent predominantly small-fiber polyneuropathy.
Rutkove
S B
SB
Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Mass, USA.
D001369:Axons / Q000187:drug effects; D004594:Electrophysiology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016472:Motor Neuron Disease / Q000139:chemically induced*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012867:Skin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000503:physiopathology
D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins