Tow Cases of Chronic Active Hepatitis Type C Acommpanied with Psychiatric Symptoms During Interferon Therapy

Abstract

Psychiatric side effects were observed in 2 patients with chronic active hepatitis type C treated with interferon alpha (IFN-α). Case 1 was a 44-year-old male. He was treated with 6 MU/day of HLBI. As early side effects of IFN, fever and appetite loss were observed. Lately, anxiety, suicidal ideation and delusion of persecution were occurred. These side effects were protracted about 3 months after the discontinuence of IFN. Case 2, a 34-year-old female, was treated with 5 MU/day of IFN-α. At the start of therapy, fever, chills, fatigue and anorexia were appeared, and lately, sleeplessness and irritability were observed. These results suggest that we have to take care of these psychiatric side effects on treatment of interferon for chronic hepatitis. © 1992, The Japan Society of Hepatology. All rights reserved.