Exacerbation of ulcerative colitis during alpha-interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C

Abstract

We report a 34-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C who showed exacerbation of ulcerative colitis during alpha-interferon (IFNα) therapy. Discontinuance of the IFNα therapy improved his symptoms, suggesting that IFNα administration might worsen ulcerative colitis. The administration of sulfasalazine allowed the patient to receive IFNα again without flare-up of ulcerative colitis. This case suggests the possible efficacy of sulfasalazine therapy in patients with ulcerative colitis complicated by some other diseases requiring IFNα administration. (Internal Medicine 32: 327-331, 1993). © 1993, The Japanese Society of Internal Medicine. All rights reserved.