Axonal neuropathy associated with interferon-alpha treatment for hepatitis C: HLA-DR immunoreactivity in Schwann cells.
A 44-year-old man developed a peripheral neuropathy during treatment with interferon-alpha for chronic hepatitis C. The onset was insidious, beginning symmetrically in the hands with paresthesia. Neurophysiological investigation revealed a predominantly sensory axonal neuropathy. A sural nerve biopsy confirmed primary axonal damage. Immunofluorescence studies showed increased expression of HLA-DR molecules prevalently on Schwann cells of non-myelin-forming type.
Quattrini
A
A
Department of Neurology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, University of Milan, Italy.
Comi
G
G
Nemni
R
R
Martinelli
V
V
Villa
A
A
Caimi
M
M
Wrabetz
L
L
Canal
N
N
D000328:Adult; D001369:Axons / Q000502:physiology; D019085:Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000378:metabolism*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D009413:Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / Q000502:physiology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D009431:Neural Conduction / Q000502:physiology; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012583:Schwann Cells / Q000378:metabolism*; D013497:Sural Nerve / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure
D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D007370:Interferon Type I; D011994:Recombinant Proteins