title: Development of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Following Interferon-&alpha; Therapy for Hepatitis C Infection.
abstract: Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) therapy has been associated with de novo development of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We report a 48-year woman with chronic hepatitis C, who developed low grade fever, joint aches and pains, painful mouth ulcers, shortness of breath, dry cough and pleuritic chest pain after 2 months of completion of treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha. These clinical manifestations and the relevant immunologic investigations were in favour of SLE. She responded well to corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad.
authors.lastname: Khalil-Ur-Rehman
authors.affiliation: Department of Gastroenterology, Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad.
authors.forename: Nasir
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Khokhar
mesh_terms: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000150:complications* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology; D008875:Middle Aged; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D007155:Immunologic Factors; D016898:Interferon-alpha; D006886:Hydroxychloroquine