Abstract
In this report, we describe an unusual and unreported complication with the new licensed form of pegylated interferon alpha2a (PEG-IFN-alpha2a). We report the first case of severe autoimmune cytopenias, an Evans' syndrome, in a patient with chronic hepatitis C, 2 months after PEG-IFN-alpha2a initiation. Haemolytic anaemia and thrombocytopenia developed, complicated by gastric bleeding and brain haemorrhage. Outcome was favourable under immunosuppressive treatment. Treatment with PEG-IFN-alpha2a requires careful follow-up, as IFNalpha can induce or exacerbate autoimmune diseases.
MeSH terms
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Aged
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Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / etiology*
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Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
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Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
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Female
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Hepacivirus / classification
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Hepacivirus / drug effects
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Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
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Hepatitis C, Chronic / virology
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Humans
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Interferon alpha-2
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Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
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Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
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Polyethylene Glycols / adverse effects*
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Polyethylene Glycols / therapeutic use
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Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / etiology*
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Recombinant Proteins
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Treatment Outcome
Substances
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Antiviral Agents
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Interferon alpha-2
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Interferon-alpha
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Recombinant Proteins
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Polyethylene Glycols
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peginterferon alfa-2a