Interferon for HCV tx and ophthalmologic complications

[JR]

This question is for Andrew and others who may have some ideas: I've been asked to do a presentation on eye complications of interferon tx for Hep C and I am having a hard time finding a good source of information. I'd appreciate any suggestions on where to look.

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[Retinamark]

Hi,
There is an article about this in the current issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology. The list of references in this article should help.

 

[Andrew_Doan]

Hi,
There is an article about this in the current issue of the British Journal of Ophthalmology. The list of references in this article should help.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/...ve&db=pubmed&dopt=Abstract&list_uids=15548803

Br J Ophthalmol. 2004 Dec;88(12):1518-20.

Is screening for interferon retinopathy in hepatitis C justified?

Cuthbertson FM, Davies M, McKibbin M.

St James University Hospital, Beckett Street, Leeds LS9 7TF, UK. [email protected].

BACKGROUND/AIM: In the treatment of hepatitis C, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence advocates use of a combination of interferon alfa and ribavirin for selected patients. Retinopathy is a well recognised side effect of interferon therapy and is characterised by retinal haemorrhages, cotton wool spots, and macular oedema. The aim of this study was to document the incidence and natural history of the retinopathy in patients treated with a long acting (pegylated) interferon and ribavirin for hepatitis C and to assess the need to screen for retinal complications. METHODS: All patients started on treatment from September 2002 to August 2003 were invited to participate in the study. The past medical and ocular history, visual symptoms, and the results of a full ophthalmological assessment performed 3 months after starting treatment were noted. Any patient with retinal changes was followed up at 3 month intervals until the changes resolved. RESULTS: Of the 25 patients examined, four had evidence of retinopathy including deep retinal haemorrhage and cotton wool spots. Two of the patients were diabetic and one hypertensive. None had any visual symptoms and in all four the retinopathy resolved while the patients completed their course of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of retinopathy with pegylated interferon is low. The retinal complications resolve while treatment is continued and are asymptomatic. This study does not support routine screening for retinopathy in patients treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for hepatitis C.

 

[JR]

Thanks!

 

[bananaface]

Interferon and Retinopathy - PubMed search - decent hits
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/...=Display&dopt=pubmed_pubmed&from_uid=15548803

UpToDate lists observed opthalmologic problems as:
retinal hemorrhages
cotton wool spots
retinal artery or vein obstruction

It's barely common enough to get listed as an observed occurance in the drug monograph for pegalated interferon. No mention was made in the monograph for standard interferon, not that anyone uses that anymore.

I would be interested to find out if there any indication whether the damage is caused by a high circulating viral load, an immune response, or the interferon itself.