Pancreatitis induced by pegylated interferon alfa-2b in a patient affected by chronic hepatitis C.
A middle-aged man was admitted to the ED because of nausea and vomiting, abdominal distention and fainting. A blood analysis revealed high levels of serum amylase and lipase, confirming a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The history showed that the patient had self-administered a single dose of pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin daily for 7 days for chronic hepatitis C. The medications were stopped and his condition gradually improved. In agreement with the literature and the Naranjo algorythm result, pegylated interferon alfa-2b is associated with acute pancreatitis. Identification of a few signs and symptoms is the first 'signal' in preventing a serious drug-induced adverse event.
Cecchi
Enrica
E
Department of Pharmacology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. enrica.cecchi@unifi.it
Forte
Paolo
P
Cini
Elisabetta
E
Banchelli
Grazia
G
Ferlito
Chiara
C
Mugelli
Alessandro
A
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004632:Emergency Medical Services / Q000379:methods; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010195:Pancreatitis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012651:Self Medication / Q000009:adverse effects; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b