title: Vitiligo associated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C: a case report.
abstract: The use of pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin is considered standard therapy for patients with chronic hepatitis C. Many adverse effects of IFN appear to be of autoimmune origin. Vitiligo is a hypomelanotic disease, whose cause, despite many investigations, remains unknown, although some evidence points to an autoimmune pathogenesis. This report describes a case of vitiligo that occurred during the third month of treatment with PEG-IFN and ribavirin. The sustained virologic response was the result of a 52-week regimen; however, hypomelanotic cutaneous patches persisted. Autoimmune adverse effects of IFN therapy, which may include vitiligo, should be carefully monitored. The decision about whether to discontinue treatment should be discussed with the patient, who must be informed that the lesions may persist.
authors.affiliation: Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
authors.forename: Krzysztof
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Tomasiewicz
authors.forename: Romana
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Modrzewska
authors.forename: Grazyna
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Semczuk
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014820:Vitiligo / Q000139:chemically induced*
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C100416:peginterferon alfa-2a