Retinopathy in hepatitis C patients due to combination therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin.
BACKGROUND
To assess the nature, incidence, and risk factors of retinopathy associated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy in chronic hepatitis C patients.


METHODS
Thirty-two patients with chronic hepatitis C were examined prospectively for changes in fundus findings while they were being treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin. Patients were followed with sequential ocular examinations for a maximum of 36 weeks.


RESULTS
Eleven of the 32 patients (34.4%) developed retinopathy. Cotton-wool spots were found in six patients, retinal hemorrhages in four, and branch retinal vein occlusion in one (one eye). Hypertension was found to be the most significant risk factor for developing retinopathy.


CONCLUSIONS
Significant ocular complications such as an irreversible decrease of visual acuity may develop in patients treated with pegylated interferon. The valid risk factor for developing retinopathy is hypertension. The high rate of retinopathy in patients with hypertension suggests that patients should be carefully monitored.
Kim
Ei Tae
ET
Department of Ophthalmology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.
Kim
Lee Hoo
LH
Department of Ophthalmology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.
Lee
Jung Il
JI
Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea.
Chin
Hee Seung
HS
Department of Ophthalmology, Inha University School of Medicine, Incheon, Korea. hschin@inha.ac.kr.|Department of Ophthalmology, Inha University Hospital, #7-206 Shinheung-Dong, Jung-Gu, Incheon, 400-711, Korea. hschin@inha.ac.kr.
D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D005260:Female; D005451:Fluorescein Angiography; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D015994:Incidence; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000009:adverse effects*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012164:Retinal Diseases / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000187:drug effects
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000077190:Interferon alpha-2; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D012254:Ribavirin; C417083:peginterferon alfa-2b