Ocular complications with high-dose interferon alpha in chronic active hepatitis.
OBJECTIVE
Interferon alpha, which is used to treat various systemic disorders, has many reversible side-effects involving various organ systems. In this study, chronic active hepatitis patients undergoing interferon alpha therapy were followed with regard to the ocular side-effects.


METHODS
Thirty-six patients with chronic active hepatitis undergoing subcutaneous interferon alpha therapy for 1 year were enrolled. Complete ocular examination and photographic documentation were performed at baseline of the therapy and monthly thereafter. Fisher's exact chi-squared test and Mann-Whitney U-test were employed in the statistical evaluation of the results.


RESULTS
Trichomegaly was noted in 2 (6%) patients. Fifteen patients (42%) were found to have retinopathy with cotton wool spot formation and splinter haemorrhages.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings emphasise the need to monitor these retinal complications, which may result in loss of vision in patients receiving interferon alpha therapy.
Kadayifcilar
S
S
Department of Ophthalmology, Başkent University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey.
Boyacioglu
S
S
Kart
H
H
Gursoy
M
M
Aydin
P
P
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005140:Eyelashes; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006201:Hair Diseases / Q000209:etiology; D006525:Hepatitis, Viral, Human / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D014792:Visual Acuity
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins