Pegylated Interferon Associated Retinopathy in Chronic Hepatitis Patients

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To investigate clinical features of pegylated interferon-associated retinopathy in chronic hepatitis patients. METHODS: The present study was a consecutive case series of 46 patients who were treated with pegylated interferon for chronic hepatitis C or B from October 2007 to September 2008 in our hospital. The patients had a regular ophthalmologic examination every 3 weeks for 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: Out of 46 patients, 10 patients (21.73%) developed retinal abnormality. Pegylated interferon-associated retinopathy occurred at 7.25+/-10.28 weeks after the treatment with cotton-wool spots and retinal hemorrhage. All cases except one mild nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy case presenting broad perimacular non-perfusion recovered without cessation of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Pegylated interferon-associated retinopathy in chronic hepatitis patients was reversible and had a recovery without visual complication. However, a single case did present with irreversible visual impairment. Pegylated interferon-associated retinopathy is usually asymptomatic and clinicians should observe patients closely for 3 months after treatment.