Development of systemic lupus erythematosus following interferon-alpha therapy for hepatitis C infection

ABSTRACT

Interferon-alpha [IFN-alpha] therapy has been associated with de novo development of systemic lupus erythematosus [SLE]. We report a 48-year woman with chronic hepatitis C, who developed low grade fever, joint aches and pains, painful mouth ulcers, shortness of breath, dry cough and pleuritic chest pain after 2 months of completion of treatment with pegylated interferon-alpha. These clinical manifestations and the relevant immunologic investigations were in favour of SLE. She responded well to corticosteroids and hydroxychloroquine treatment