Pancreatitis induced by pegylated interferon alfa-2b in a patient affected by chronic hepatitis C

Emerg Med Australas. 2004 Oct-Dec;16(5-6):473-5. doi: 10.1111/j.1742-6723.2004.00653.x.

Abstract

A middle-aged man was admitted to the ED because of nausea and vomiting, abdominal distention and fainting. A blood analysis revealed high levels of serum amylase and lipase, confirming a diagnosis of acute pancreatitis. The history showed that the patient had self-administered a single dose of pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin daily for 7 days for chronic hepatitis C. The medications were stopped and his condition gradually improved. In agreement with the literature and the Naranjo algorythm result, pegylated interferon alfa-2b is associated with acute pancreatitis. Identification of a few signs and symptoms is the first 'signal' in preventing a serious drug-induced adverse event.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
  • Emergency Medical Services / methods
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pancreatitis / chemically induced*
  • Pancreatitis / diagnosis
  • Pancreatitis / therapy
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Ribavirin / therapeutic use
  • Self Medication / adverse effects
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Ribavirin
  • peginterferon alfa-2b