Interferon-alpha-associated monoarthritis.
The therapeutic indications for interferons (IFNs) have increased in recent years to include many different diseases of viral and malignant origin. Autoimmune phenomena may occur with IFN therapy, but arthritis is uncommon. In this case report, we describe a patient who developed monoarthritis in the knee after IFN-alpha therapy for chronic hepatitis B infection. A synovial fluid assay by polymerase chain reaction was negative for hepatitis B virus DNA and serum transaminase levels were normal as the arthritis developed. The patient was thought to have arthritis due to IFN-alpha treatment. A connection between IFN-alpha therapy and an induced autoimmune disorder is discussed.
Arslan
S
S
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Hacettepe University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey. aysen@tr-net.net.tr
Sivri
A
A
Başgöze
O
O
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001168:Arthritis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology; D015551:Autoimmunity / Q000187:drug effects; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007719:Knee Joint; D008297:Male
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha