[Severe thrombocytopenia with probable autoimmune mechanism associated with interferon therapy in a patient with chronic hepatitis C].
We describe the case of a 20-year-old man who developed severe thrombocytopenia and hemorrhagic complications 5 months after beginning pegylated interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C. Interferon therapy was stopped and platelets were transfused, but the platelet count did not increase until treatment with immunoglobulins and intravenous corticosteroids was started. Therefore, we believe this would suggest a possible autoimmune mechanism for the development of thrombocytopenia with interferon therapy. Mild reduction in platelets count is a common adverse effect of this drug. Nevertheless, severe decreases and secondary serious hemorrhagic complications have been infrequently described in the literature.
Carnero-Fernández
M
M
Servicio de Medicina Interna, Hospital Meixoeiro, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Vigo, Pontevedra, España. tumismo@edu.xunta.es
Pineda
J R
JR
Lite-Alvarez
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006474:Hemorrhagic Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D007372:Interferons / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017713:Platelet Transfusion; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; D007372:Interferons; D008775:Methylprednisolone