Pegylated interferon de novo-induce autoimmune haemolytic anaemia in chronic hepatitis C patient

BMJ Case Rep. 2011 Aug 11:2011:bcr0620114400. doi: 10.1136/bcr.06.2011.4400.

Abstract

A 55-year-old Egyptian woman with chronic hepatitis C undergoing treatment with pegylated interferon (Peg-IFN) alfa-2a plus ribavirin was referred to our hospital on November 2010 with prolonged easy fatigability and an attack of syncope; she had no prior history of autoimmune disorders or allergy. Laboratory investigations documented the presence of Peg-IFN induced autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and autoimmune thyroiditis. Intravenous γ globulin (IVGG) failed to correct the autoimmune process; on the other hand steroid therapy dramatically corrected both haematological and thyroid values, and step down the immune process. Our report indicated that Peg-IFN de novo-induce autoimmune haemolysis, documenting a previous report. IVGG failed to step down the immune process in our case.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / chemically induced*
  • Anemia, Hemolytic, Autoimmune / diagnosis
  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Drug Therapy, Combination
  • Female
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / therapeutic use
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyethylene Glycols / adverse effects*
  • Recombinant Proteins / adverse effects
  • Thyroiditis, Autoimmune / chemically induced*

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Immunoglobulins, Intravenous
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • peginterferon alfa-2a