[Ocular complications of hepatitis C treatment].
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis C is a viral infection that can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma. According to current recommendations, the treatment is based on the association of pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Strict treatment criteria are available and apply for the 8,000 patients diagnosed every year in France. Ophthalmological side effects are numerous, unpredictable, and sometimes severe.


METHODS
We report the case of a patient treated with an association of interferon and ribavirin for hepatitis C, who presented two periods of decreased visual acuity 4 years apart. Interferon-related toxic retinopathy was suggested for the first event, while optical neuropathy was diagnosed for the second.


CONCLUSIONS
Ocular complications of hepatitis C treatment with interferon and ribavirin are frequent but often benign. Our recommendations are periodic ophthalmological examinations, including visual acuity and fundus examination, before starting the treatment, at 3 months, and if necessary at 9 months.
Sauer
A
A
Service d'Ophtalmologie, Hôpitaux universitaires de Strasbourg, Hôpital Civil, Strasbourg. arnaud.sauer@chru-strasbourg.fr
Lenoble
P
P
Bader
P
P
Speeg-Schatz
C
C
Bourcier
T
T
Nasica
X
X
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009901:Optic Nerve Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced*; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D012254:Ribavirin