title: Cutaneous necrosis associated with interferon alpha-2b.
abstract: Cutaneous necrosis may occur as a complication of treatment with interferon. Here we report the first case of cutaneous necrosis developing in a patient receiving interferon alpha-2b for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C viral infection. The patient developed two necrotic lesions while receiving high doses of interferon. We suggest that discontinuation of treatment may be necessary to permit healing of such lesions. Although the exact mechanism involved in cutaneous necrosis remains unknown, our observations support earlier findings suggesting that intraarterial injection may be a factor.
authors.affiliation: University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Ohio 45267, USA.
authors.forename: J B
authors.initials: JB
authors.lastname: Sickler
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Simmons
authors.forename: D K
authors.initials: DK
authors.lastname: Cobb
authors.forename: K E
authors.initials: KE
authors.lastname: Sherman
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy; D006521:Hepatitis, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009336:Necrosis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012867:Skin / Q000473:pathology*
chemical_list: D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins