Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy associated with pegylated interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C
Journal
Ocular Immunology and Inflammation
Journal Volume
17
Journal Issue
3
Pages
191-194
Date Issued
2009
Author(s)
Abstract
Purpose: To report a case of anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (AION) associated with the combined therapy of pegylated interferon alpha (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin. Methods: Case report. Results: A 57-year-old male with chronic hepatitis C, treated with PEG-IFN-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-IFN-2b and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Patients who are candidates for this treatment should be informed about its possible occurrence.
Subjects
Anterior ischemic optic neuropathy; Chronic hepatitis C; Interferon alpha
SDGs
Other Subjects
acetylsalicylic acid; antinuclear antibody; C reactive protein; complement component C3; complement component C4; DNA antibody; peginterferon alpha2b; rheumatoid factor; ribavirin; adult; afferent pupillary defect; anterior ischemic optic neuropathy; article; blood cell count; blood chemistry; blurred vision; case report; color vision; erythrocyte sedimentation rate; evoked visual response; follow up; hepatitis C; human; intraocular hemorrhage; ischemic optic neuropathy; male; ophthalmoscopy; papilledema; treatment duration; vision test; visual acuity; visual field; visual impairment; Antiviral Agents; Drug Therapy, Combination; Evoked Potentials, Visual; Hepatitis C, Chronic; Humans; Interferon Alfa-2b; Male; Middle Aged; Optic Neuropathy, Ischemic; Papilledema; Polyethylene Glycols; Retinal Hemorrhage; Ribavirin; Visual Acuity; Visual Fields
Type
journal article