[Persistent erythema multiforme associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection. Efficacy of interferon alpha].
BACKGROUND
Persistant erythema multiforme is a rare form of erythema multiforme with subacute typical and atypical lesions that occur during several months. Some cases are associated with chronic viral infection.


METHODS
A 23 year-old man, with a past history of intravenous drug addiction and chronic hepatitis C virus infection, presented persistant erythema multiforme for 18 months. The histopathological picture was those of infectious erythema multiforme and the seric total complement level was low. Two courses of alpha-interferon treatment were quickly efficient on cutaneous lesions, and relapse occurred after discontinuation.


CONCLUSIONS
In previously reported cases of persistant erythema multiforme, etiologic complementary investigations are not always specified. However, viral infections should be considered. In cases of chronic infection, hepatitis C may induce immune disorders through persistent antigenic stimulation.
Berard
F
F
Service de Dermatologie, Hôpital de l'Antiquaille, Lyon.
Pincemaille
B
B
Charhon
A
A
Perrot
H
H
D000328:Adult; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000032:analysis; D004892:Erythema Multiforme / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000473:pathology; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D016898:Interferon-alpha; D003165:Complement System Proteins