Ocular complications with high-dose interferon alpha in chronic active hepatitis

Abstract

Purpose. Interferon alpha, which is used to treat various systemic disorders, has many reversible side-effects involving various organ systems. In this study, chronic active hepatitis patients undergoing interferon alpha therapy were followed with regard to the ocular side-effects. Methods. Thirty-six patients with chronic active hepatitis undergoing subcutaneous interferon alpha therapy for 1 year were enrolled. Complete ocular examination and photographic documentation were performed at baseline of the therapy and monthly thereafter. Fisher's exact chi-squared test and Mann-Whitney U-test were employed in the statistical evaluation of the results. Results. Trichomegaly was noted in 2 (6%) patients. Fifteen patients (42%) were found to have retinopathy with cotton wool spot formation and splinter haemorrhages. Conclusions. These findings emphasise the need to monitor these retinal complications, which may result in loss of vision in patients receiving interferon alpha therapy.