Exacerbation of skin lesions in a 50 year old man with psoriasis during treatment by pegylated interferon

Chronic hepatitis C might lead to several immunological dysfunctions. Studies have shown a positive association between hepatitis C virus [HCV] infection and psoriasis. These results suggest that the infection may be one of the triggering factors for the development or exacerbation of psoriasis. Here, we present a case of chronic HCV infection with psoriasis who developed exacerbation of skin lesions during therapy with peginterferon alpha-2a plus ribavirin. We discuss the management, course and results of HCV treatment in this patient

Bell's palsy associated with chronic HCV infection before and during peginterferon alfa and ribavirin therapy

Neuropsychiatric side effects of peginterferon-alpha [EG-IFN-alpha] therapy consist of a large spectrum of symptoms. Organic personality syndrome, organic affective syndrome, psychotic manifestations and seizures are more common side effects of PEG-IFN-alpha whereas cranial neuropathy and movement disorders are less common. Bell's palsy is often idiopathic, but has been linked to some viral infections, particularly with herpes viruses. Other infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus infection and Lyme disease, may also lead to idiopathic facial paralysis. Neither acute nor chronic Hepatitis C infection has been implicated previously in Bell's palsy, but PEG-IFN- alpha may play a role. Two patients with CHC who developed Bell's palsy before and during treatment with PEG-IFN- alpha and Ribavirin are presented here