Sudden hearing loss in a patient hepatitis C virus (HCV) positive on therapy with alpha-interferon: a possible autoimmune-microvascular pathogenesis

J Laryngol Otol. 1998 Oct;112(10):962-3. doi: 10.1017/s0022215100142197.

Abstract

Alpha interferon (alpha-IFN) is used for the treatment of various systemic disorders. Side-effects of alpha-IFN therapy can involve numerous organ systems, but sudden hearing loss has only once been recorded. We report a case of sudden hearing loss occurring in a patient with chronic hepatitis C treated with alpha-IFN and recovered five days after the discontinuation of this agent. This is the first record of anti-endothelial cell antibodies detection in a patient with sudden hearing loss. The finding of anti-endothelial cell antibodies suggests an association between sudden hearing loss and microvascular damage during interferon therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / chemically induced
  • Female
  • Hearing Loss, Sudden / chemically induced*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
  • Microcirculation
  • Middle Aged
  • Tinnitus / chemically induced
  • Vascular Diseases / chemically induced

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon-alpha