title: Local blistering reaction complicating subcutaneous injection of pegylated interferon in a patient with hepatitis C.
abstract: PEG-Intron is a covalent conjugate of recombinant alpha-2b interferon with monomethoxy polyethylene glycol (PEG). Compared to standard interferon-alpha injections, this preparation has a longer half-life allowing for once-weekly injections and superior antiviral efficacy in the treatment of hepatitis C when used in combination with ribavirin. We report the first case of a local blistering reaction developing in a patient receiving pegylated interferon-alpha-2b. Previous reports of local cutaneous reactions to standard and pegylated interferon-alpha are reviewed and the pathophysiological mechanisms are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine, Rootstown, Ohio, USA.
authors.forename: Kelly
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Gallina
authors.forename: Robert T
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Brodell
authors.forename: Farid
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Naffah
authors.forename: Susan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Nedorost
mesh_terms: D001768:Blister / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
chemical_list: D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a