Axonal neuropathy associated with interferon-alpha treatment for hepatitis C: HLA-DR immunoreactivity in Schwann cells

Acta Neuropathol. 1997 Nov;94(5):504-8. doi: 10.1007/s004010050740.

Abstract

A 44-year-old man developed a peripheral neuropathy during treatment with interferon-alpha for chronic hepatitis C. The onset was insidious, beginning symmetrically in the hands with paresthesia. Neurophysiological investigation revealed a predominantly sensory axonal neuropathy. A sural nerve biopsy confirmed primary axonal damage. Immunofluorescence studies showed increased expression of HLA-DR molecules prevalently on Schwann cells of non-myelin-forming type.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Axons / physiology
  • Fluorescent Antibody Technique, Direct
  • HLA-DR Antigens / metabolism*
  • Hepatitis C / complications*
  • Hepatitis C / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Interferon Type I / adverse effects*
  • Interferon Type I / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / physiology
  • Nerve Fibers, Myelinated / ultrastructure
  • Neural Conduction / physiology
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / chemically induced*
  • Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / pathology*
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Schwann Cells / metabolism*
  • Sural Nerve / pathology
  • Sural Nerve / ultrastructure

Substances

  • HLA-DR Antigens
  • Interferon Type I
  • Recombinant Proteins