Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy associated with pegylated interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C.

Full Abstract

PURPOSE: To report a case of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) associated with the combined therapy of pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFNalpha) and ribavirin. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 57-year-old male with chronic hepatitis C, treated with PEG-IFNalpha -2b and ribavirin for 6 months, noted sudden onset of painless blurred vision in his right eye. The initial visual acuity decreased to 20/60 in the right eye. Fundoscopy of right eye revealed optic disc edema with disc hemorrhage. Visual field examination disclosed inferior altitudinal defect. Relative afferent pupillary defect with poor color vision function was also noted in the right eye. Visual evoked potential demonstrated decreased amplitude in the right eye. A marked resolution of disc edema and improvement of visual acuity to 20/20 were noted at 6 weeks follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: AION may occur in combined treatment of PEG-IFNalpha -2b and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Patients who are candidates for this treatment should be informed about its possible occurrence.

Author information

Author/s: Wei, Yi-Hsuan (YH); Wang, I-Hua (IH); Woung, Lin-Chung (LC); Jou, Jieh-Ren (JR);

Affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Case Reports; Journal Article

Journal: Ocular immunology and inflammation (Ocul Immunol Inflamm), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: -2009 May-Jun; vol 17 (issue 3) : pp 191-4

Dates: Created 2009/07/08; Completed 2009/09/02;

PMID: 19585362, status: MEDLINE (last retrieved date: 9/4/2009)

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MeSH Headings (categories) shown below.

Antiviral Agents - adverse effects
Drug Therapy, Combination
Evoked Potentials, Visual
Hepatitis C, Chronic - drug therapy
Humans
Interferon Alfa-2b - adverse effects
Male
Middle Aged

Middle Aged
Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic - chemically induced; diagnosis
Papilledema - chemically induced
Polyethylene Glycols - adverse effects
Retinal Hemorrhage - chemically induced
Ribavirin - adverse effects
Visual Acuity - drug effects
Visual Fields

Note: Bold headings indicate primary MeSH headings or qualifiers.

Associated Chemicals: Antiviral Agents (0) ; Polyethylene Glycols (0) ; peginterferon alfa-2b (0) ; Ribavirin (36791-04-5) ; Interferon Alfa-2b (99210-65-8)

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