Interferon-induced sarcoidosis.
Rheumatologists are increasingly asked to see patients with hepatitis C who exhibit a variety of clinical and serologic features that mimic systemic rheumatic disease. Treatment with interferons, now the standard of care, can precipitate a variety of inflammatory conditions, including sarcoidosis. We present a case of a 59-year-old former intravenous drug user who developed systemic sarcoidosis while receiving interferon alpha and ribavirin for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C. Because interferons are increasingly prescribed by specialists in a variety of disciplines, rheumatologists should be aware of their potential to induce sarcoidosis as well as various autoimmune diseases.
Doyle
Mittie K
MK
Centocor, Malvern, Pennsylvania PA 19355, USA. mdoyle1@cntus.jnj.com
Berggren
Ruth
R
Magnus
Jeanette H
JH
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008875:Middle Aged; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000627:therapeutic use; D017565:Sarcoidosis, Pulmonary / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000473:pathology
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D012254:Ribavirin