Masquerade syndrome in ocular surface squamous neoplasia / Síndrome mascarada em neoplasia escamosa da superfície ocular

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to alert the ophthalmic community to an atypical manifestation of ocular surface squamous neoplasia, which may delay diagnosis and treatment and result in a guarded visual prognosis and significant sequelae. A 61-year-old immunocompetent man presented with an initial diagnosis of necrotizing scleritis in the right eye for 3 months. He was treated with systemic prednisone but experienced persistent pain and low visual acuity. Conjunctival biopsy of the affected region confirmed the diagnosis of invasive ocular surface squamous neoplasia, which progressed with intraocular and orbital invasion; thus, exenteration was performed. Masquerade syndrome should be suspected in patients with nodulo-ulcerative lesions of the conjunctiva and sclera. This clinical can be more aggressive, with a greater likelihood of intraocular and orbital involvement. The earlier the diagnosis and treatment, the better the patient prognosis.

RESUMO O objetivo é alertar a comunidade oftalmológica sobre uma manifestação atípica de neoplasia escamosa da superfície ocular (OSSN) que pode levar a um atraso no diagnóstico e tratamento, evoluindo com prognóstico reservado e significativas sequelas. Homem, imunocompetente, 61 anos com diagnóstico inicial de esclerite necrosante em olho direito há 3 meses, em tratamento com prednisona sistêmica porém com persistência da dor e baixa acuidade visual. Realizado biópsia conjuntival em região acometida e diagnosticado como neoplasia escamosa da superfície ocular invasiva. Evolui com invasão intraocular e orbital sendo submetido a exenteração. Assim sendo, deve-se suspeitar de síndrome mascarada frente a um paciente com lesões nódulo-ulcerativas da conjuntiva e esclera. Essa forma clínica pode ser mais agressiva, com maior chance de comprometimento intraocular e orbital. Quanto mais precoces o diagnóstico e o tratamento, melhor o prognóstico para o paciente.

Switching from imatinib to nilotinib plus pegylated interferon-α2b in chronic phase CML failing to achieve deep molecular response: clinical and immunological effects.

In order to improve molecular response for a discontinuation attempt in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients in chronic phase, who had not achieved at least a molecular response <0.01% BCR-ABL1IS (MR4.0) after at least 2 years of imatinib therapy, we prospectively evaluated whether they could attain MR4.0 after a switch to a combination of nilotinib and 9 months of pegylated interferon-α2b (PegIFN). The primary endpoint of confirmed MR4.0 at month 12 (a BCR-ABL1IS level ≤ 0.01% both at 12 and 15 months) was reached by 44% (7/16 patients, 95% confidence interval (CI): 23- 67%) of patients, with 81% (13/16 patients, 95% CI: 57-93%) of patients achieving an unconfirmed MR4.0. The scheduled combination was completed by 56% of the patients, with premature discontinuations, mainly due to mood disturbances after the introduction of PegIFN, questioning the feasibility of the combination of nilotinib and PegIFN for this patient population and treatment goal. A comprehensive clinical substudy program was implemented to characterize the impact of the treatment changes on the immunological profile. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01866553.

Neuroinvasive West Nile virus infection in solid organ transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Literature on the natural course of neuroinvasive West Nile virus (WNV) infection in solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients is sparse. In the setting of a 2021 WNV outbreak in Arizona, we reviewed our institution's experience with neuroinvasive WNV infection in patients with SOT. METHODS: We retrospectively identified SOT recipients treated for neuroinvasive WNV at Mayo Clinic in Arizona from 2007 through 2021. Clinical manifestations, disease course, and outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 24 SOT recipients with WNV infection identified during the study period, 13 infections occurred in 2021. Most patients had gastrointestinal tract symptoms and fever at disease presentation. Five patients had cognitive impairment, and 14 initially or eventually had acute flaccid paralysis. Clinically significant deterioration occurred at a median of 4 (range, 1-11) days after hospital admission. Seventeen patients (71%) were transferred to the intensive care unit, with 15 requiring mechanical ventilation. Initial cerebrospinal fluid analysis mainly demonstrated a neutrophil-predominant pleocytosis. Almost all patients (n = 23) were treated with intravenous immunoglobulin alone or in combination with interferon alfa-2b. Sixteen patients had clinical improvement, 4 of whom recovered completely. Six patients died during hospitalization due to complications of neuroinvasive WNV infection. Two patients were discharged to hospice without clinical recovery. The overall 30-day mortality rate was 36%. CONCLUSION: Despite advances in supportive care, neuroinvasive WNV infection is associated with substantial morbidity and mortality in SOT recipients. Flaccid paralysis is an indicator of poor prognosis.

Recalcitrant giant orf recurrence after amputation: A case report and review of the literature.

Orf is caused by a parapoxvirus. We present a recurrent, giant digital orf case in a female patient with a history of hairy cell leukemia. In spite of shave excision, the lesion progressed and recurred after digital amputation. Treatment with topical imiquimod cream and systemic subcutaneous interferon alfa-2a was successful.

Vanishing Bone Disease of the Thoracic Cage: Challenges in the Management of a Rare Entity.

Background/Objective: Vanishing bone disease (VBD) is a rare entity, characterized by massive osteolysis and lymphovascular proliferation. Our objective was to report the case of a 22-year-old man who presented with VBD of the ribs and the challenges involved with its management in this location. Case Report: A 22-year-old man presented with left-sided chest and back pain. An x-ray revealed that the fourth to sixth ribs on the left side of the chest were missing. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was normal (5 mm/h; normal value, <10 mm/h), ruling out overt infectious and inflammatory pathology. A positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan excluded an underlying malignancy. Findings of serum protein electrophoresis did not show an M band. Normal levels of calcium (9.0 mg/dL; normal range, 8.3-10.4 mg/dL) and parathyroid hormone (38 pg/mL; normal range, 8-74 pg/mL) excluded primary hyperparathyroidism as a cause for osteolysis. A computed tomography scan of the chest revealed only lytic destruction and resorption of the fourth to sixth ribs on the left side. A diagnosis of VBD was made. A biopsy was deferred owing to the location of the disease involving the thoracic cage that could cause permanent lymphatic leakage. He was administered parenteral zoledronate 4 mg monthly for 3 months and subsequently once every 3 months for the next 2 years with subcutaneous interferon alfa-2b 6 MIU thrice weekly initially, then twice a week, and subsequently tapered to once every 10 days. On the follow-up at 3 years, he remained stable, with no further osteolysis or radiographic progression of the disease. Discussion/Conclusion: VBD may present diagnostic and therapeutic challenges; the abovementioned patient was diagnosed with VBD after excluding secondary causes of osteolysis. Although a high index of suspicion is required to diagnose VBD, it also mandates close monitoring and follow-up.

Carcinoma epidermoide de piel tratado con HeberFERON®

RESUMEN Introducción: en la literatura biomédica son escasos los reportes sobre el uso de los interferones como tratamiento en el carcinoma epidermoide. En una unidad de atención primaria, en Colón, Matanzas, se implementó el HeberFERON® en este tipo de tumor, con experiencias favorables. Objetivo: describir la efectividad del HeberFERON® en el carcinoma epidermoide. Materiales y métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional, descriptivo en 33 lesiones de carcinoma epidermoide en 29 pacientes. La dosis fue de 7,0 y 10,5 MUI de actividad antiviral, infiltrada de forma perilesional tres veces por semana durante tres semanas. Se realizó el seguimiento clínico de los pacientes antes del tratamiento y a las 16 semanas del inicio del mismo. Las variables fueron: edad, sexo, fototipo de piel, procedencia, localización, tipo clínico, estadio y respuesta clínica al tratamiento. Se consideraron cuatro categorías de respuesta: completa, parcial, enfermedad estable y progresiva. Se incluyó la respuesta objetiva (completa más parcial). Se recogieron los datos en una historia clínica. Se utilizaron los programas Microsoft Excel y SPSS para el procesamiento estadístico. Resultados: el 65,5 % de los pacientes correspondió al sexo masculino. Un 58,6 % son fototipo II y de procedencia urbana. Predominaron las edades entre 61 y 80 años (55,2 %). Hubo respuesta objetiva en 57,6 % (cinco completas y 14 parciales). Las mejores respuestas la mostraron el carcinoma epidermoide queratósico superficial y el noduloulceroso. Conclusiones: la mezcla de interferones fue efectiva en el carcinoma epidermoide en todos los subtipos clínicos, aunque los autores sugieren un segundo ciclo de HeberFERON® o asociarlo con quimioterapia cuando la respuesta no sea completa.

ABSTRACT Introduction: there are few reports in the literature on the use of interferon in the treatment of the squamous cell carcinoma. In a primary care unit in Colon, Matanzas, HeberFERON® was implemented in this type of tumor with favorable experiences. Objective: to describe the effectiveness of HeberFERON® in epidermoid carcinoma. Materials and methods: an observational, descriptive study was conducted in 33 epidermoid carcinoma lesions in 29 patients. The doses were 7.0 and 10.5 MUI of antiviral activity, perilesionally infiltrated three times a week for three weeks. Clinical follow-up of patients was performed before the treatment and at 16 weeks from the beginning of the treatment. The variables were: age, sex, skin phototype, origin; location, clinical type, stage and clinical response to treatment. Four categories of response were considered: complete, partial, stable and progressive disease. The objective response (complete plus partial) was included. Data were collected in a clinical record. The Microsoft Excel and SPSS programs were used for statistical processing. Results: 65.5 % of patients were male. 58.6 % are phototype II and of urban origin. Ages ranging from 61 to 80 years (55.2 %) predominated. There was objective response in 57.6 % (five complete and 14 partials). The superficial keratotic squamous cell carcinoma and the nodular ulcerative one showed the best responses. Conclusions: interferon mixing was effective in all clinical subtypes of epidermoid carcinoma, although the authors suggest a second cycle of HeberFERON® or to associate it with chemotherapy when the response is not complete.

Efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon alfa-2b in moderate COVID-19: A phase II, randomized, controlled, open-label study.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of pegylated interferon alfa-2b (PEG IFN-α2b) along with the standard of care (SOC) in subjects with moderate COVID-19. METHODS: In this phase 2, randomized, open-label study, adult subjects aged ≥18 years with RT-PCR confirmed COVID-19 with moderate symptoms were randomized in a 1:1 to receive PEG IFN-α2b plus SOC, or SOC alone. The primary endpoint was improvement in clinical status on day 15, measured by the WHO 7-point ordinal scale. RESULTS: Forty subjects were randomized to PEG IFN-α2b plus SOC (n = 20) and SOC (n = 20). Overall, 19 (95.00%) subjects in PEG IFN-α2b plus SOC had achieved clinical improvement on day 15 compared to 13 (68.42%) subjects in SOC (p < 0.05). Overall, 80% and 95% of subjects in the PEG IFN-α2b plus SOC group had a negative RT-PCR result on day 7 and day 14, respectively, compared to 63% and 68% in the SOC group. Adverse events (AEs) were reported for eleven subjects in the PEG IFN-α2b plus SOC group and eight subjects in the SOC group. All reported AEs were mild. CONCLUSION: The significant improvement in clinical status on day 15 is likely due to faster viral reduction compared to SOC with the PEG IFN-α2b treated moderate COVID-19 subjects showing a difference as early as day seven and becoming significant by day 14.

Clinical cure and liver fibrosis reversal after postoperative antiviral combination therapy in hepatitis B-associated non-cirrhotic hepatocellular carcinoma: A case report.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is high in China, and approximately 15%-20% of HCC cases occur in the absence of cirrhosis. Compared with patients with cirrhotic HCC, those with non-cirrhotic HCC have longer postoperative tumor-free survival. However, the overall survival time is not significantly increased, and the risk of postoperative recurrence remains. Strategies to improve the postoperative survival rate in these patients are currently required. CASE SUMMARY: A 47-year-old man with a family history of HCC was found to have hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection 25 years ago. In 2000, he was administered lamivudine for 2 years, and entecavir (ETV 0.5 mg) was administered in 2006. In October 2016, magnetic resonance imaging revealed a tumor in the liver (5.3 cm × 5 cm × 5 cm); no intraoperative hepatic and portal vein and bile duct tumor thrombi were found; and postoperative pathological examination confirmed a grade II HCC with no nodular cirrhosis (G1S3). ETV was continued, and no significant changes were observed on imaging. After receiving pegylated interferon alfa-2b (PEG IFNα-2b) (180 µg) + ETV in February 2019, the HBsAg titer decreased significantly within 12 wk. After receiving hepatitis B vaccine (60 µg) in 12 wk, HBsAg serological conversion was realized at 48 wk. During the treatment, no obvious adverse reactions were observed, except for early alanine aminotransferase flares. The reexamination results of liver pathology were G2S1, and reversal of liver fibrosis was achieved. CONCLUSION: The therapeutic regimen of ETV+ PEG IFNα-2b + hepatitis B vaccine for patients with HBV-associated non-cirrhotic HCC following hepatectomy can achieve an HBV clinical cure and prolong the recurrence-free survival.

A Case of Acquired von Willebrand Disease Secondary to Myeloproliferative Neoplasm.

Acquired von Willebrand Disease (AVWD) is a rare disorder in which qualitative or quantitative defects in von Willebrand factor (VWF) occur secondary to other conditions. AVWD occurs in patients with myeloproliferative disorders due to formation of autoantibodies against VWF and development of excessive shear stress causing disruption of VWF multimers. AVWD is different from congenital VWD in its acute onset and absence of family history. We report a 42-year-old gentleman with essential thrombocythemia, who was on cytoreductive therapy with hydroxyurea, and presented with an acute history of gum bleeding with hemoptysis, without any antecedent trauma or infections. His platelet count was very high, and prothrombin time and activated partial thromboplastin time were prolonged. The VWF ristocetin cofactor assay (VWF: RCo) was low, but VWF antigen level (VWF: Ag) was normal. Their ratio (VWF: RCo/VWF: Ag) was much lower than the acceptable lower limit. Treatment in AVWD is focused on addressing the underlying disorder. Early recognition of AVWD and its primary cause is mandatory in providing adequate therapy and achieving a cure.

Treatment of severe pneumonia due to COVID-19 with peginterferon alfa 2a.

The outbreak of the new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread rapidly worldwide. Until now, no definite effective treatment has been identified. We reported 3 patients with severe COVID-19 treated with pegylated interferon alfa 2a with satisfactory recovery. Based on these observations, randomized studies with interferons should be considered in deteriorating patients infected with COVID-19.

The treatment of recurrent conjunctival and corneal intraepithelial neoplasia with interferon alfa-2b and retinoic acid: ~9 years' follow-up on tumor control.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term follow-up of recurrent conjunctival and corneal intraepithelial neoplasia (CCIN) treated with combination topical interferon alfa-2b and retinoic acid (I/RA). METHODS: Our study represents a retrospective observational interventional series of 82 eyes from 82 patients from a single institution, reviewed for CCIN. All were administered topical interferon alfa-2b 1 million IU/mL QID and retinoic acid 0.01% every other day. Patients had been diagnosed by biopsy. A Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, Wilcoxon signed-rank test and a multivariate logistic regression were statistical tests used to correlate recurrence with patient and tumor variables. RESULTS: 79 eyes assessed for CCIN diagnoses and treated with I/RA achieved tumor resolution. The median tumor-free follow-up was ~109.1 months with a median time to resolution being ~2.8 months. Our median treatment duration was ~11.3 months. The greatest difference in the mean total residual tumor size was identified between Months 0-1 [-7.63 mm2]. The difference in mean total residual tumor size remained significant till 36-months. A statistically significant correlation with recurrence was identified for biopsy type [OR 0.138]. 6 patients experienced papillary conjunctivitis which resolved with dosage reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Combination I/RA was effective in treating CCIN lesions with few transient side effects. The combination of retinoids and interferons may represent a viable topical therapeutic agent with an extended tumor-free follow-up and a large proportion of our study's patients achieving >10 year's tumor-free follow-up. Our treatment duration is long, but by cost-comparing surgical against medical interventions, topical I/RA may serve as a safe and effective alternative.

Treatment of transfusion-dependent congenital dyserythropoietic anemia Type I patients with pegylated interferon alpha-2a.

OBJECTIVE: Pegylated IFN-α2a has been reported in two case reports as being efficacious in treating CDA-I patients. This study aims to assess its efficacy on a series of CDA-I patients. METHODS: Study sample consisted of seven CDA type 1 transfusion-dependent patients. They received pegylated interferon alpha-2a at an initial dose of 90-180 µg once a week, tapered according to clinical response and side effects. Good response was defined as Hb ≥ 10 g/dL for ≥3 months, partial response was defined as 7 ≤ Hb<10 g/dL for ≥3 months, and no response was defined as HB < 7 g/dL for over 3 months on treatment. Time to response was defined as the time needed to achieve hemoglobin levels ≥ 10 g/dL without transfusion. Patients were evaluated periodically by abdominal ultrasounds to rule out liver adenomas. RESULTS: Five patients (71%) had a good response to treatment. One patient stopped treatment due to side effects. One patient had partial response. One patient, with more severe phenotype and poor compliance, had poor response to treatment. No abnormal findings were found in ultrasound examination. No effect on serum ferritin level could be established. CONCLUSION: Pegylated interferon α2a therapy is efficacious in CDA-I patients with a reasonable safety profile.

Caracterización de pacientes con carcinoma basocelular tratados con HeberFERON / Caracterization of patiens with basal cell carcinoma treated with HeberFERON

RESUMEN Fundamento: el carcinoma basocelular es el cáncer cutáneo más frecuente. El tratamiento de elección es quirúrgico, existen otras terapéuticas. El HeberFERON es una formulación farmacéutica que contiene una mezcla de interferones alfa2b y Y en proporciones sinérgicas de actividad anti-tumoral. Objetivo: caracterizar los pacientes con carcinoma basocelular tratados con HeberFERON. Métodos: se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo transversal. El universo lo constituyeron 22 pacientes con diagnóstico clínico e histológico de carcinoma basocelular, que asistieron a consulta de Dermatología del Hospital Universitario Manuel Ascunce Domenech de la provincia Camagüey, durante el periodo de estudio se administró 3,5 millones UI de HeberFERON, perilesional, tres veces por semana en días alternos, durante tres semanas, seguidos cada 15 días durante 13 semanas, con evaluación final a la semana 16. Las variables estudiadas fueron: sexo, foto tipo cutáneo, localización, tamaño de las lesiones, subtipo clínico, ocupación laboral, respuesta clínica, efecto cosmético y reacciones adversas. La información obtenida fue procesada mediante el paquete estadístico SPSS v21.Los métodos empleados fueron estadística descriptiva con distribución de frecuencias absolutas y relativas. Los resultados se expusieron en tablas y gráficos. Resultados: predominó el sexo masculino, foto tipo cutáneo III en más de la mitad de los enfermos. Las lesiones en cara predominaron en más de las cuatro quintas partes de ellos, casi las dos terceras medían menos de dos centímetros. Prevaleció el subtipo clínico nodular en la mitad de estos, igual que los trabajadores expuestos al sol. Todos tuvieron respuesta clínica favorable, con respuesta completa en los dos tercios, y parcial en un tercio, igual que el efecto cosmético aceptable. La mayoría presentó escalofríos como reacción adversa, seguida de fiebre. Conclusiones: el HeberFERON resultó un medicamento eficaz y seguro para tratar el carcinoma basocelular; ofrece una alternativa en enfermos que no pueden ser sometidos a cirugía.

ABSTRACT Background: basal cell carcinoma is the most frequent skin cancer. The treatment of choice is surgical, but there are other therapies. HeberFERON is a pharmaceutical formulation containing a mixture of interpheron alpha2b and IFN-Y in synergistic proportions of anti-tumor activity. Objective: to characterize patients with basal cell carcinoma treated with HeberFeron. Methods: a transversal, observational, descriptive study was carried out in which 22 patients were clinically and histologically diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma, who attended a Dermatology consultation at the University Hospital Manuel Ascunce Domenech, Camagüey, Cuba. 3.5 million IU of HeberFeron, was administered, near the lesion, three times a week on alternate days for three weeks, followed biweekly for 13 weeks, with final evaluation at week 16. The variables studied were: sex, skin photo-type, tumor site, size of lesions, clinical subtype, occupation, clinical response, cosmetic effect and adverse reactions. The information obtained was processed using the statistical package SPSS v21. The methods used were descriptive statistics with distribution of absolute and relative frequencies. The results were presented in tables and graphs. Results: male sex, cutaneous photo-type III, predominated in more than half of the patients. Face lesions predominated in more than four fifths of them, and almost two thirds measured less than two centimeters. The nodular clinical subtype prevailed in half of these, just like workers exposed to the sun. All had a favorable clinical response, with a complete response in two thirds, and partial in a third, as well as an acceptable cosmetic effect. Most presented chills as an adverse reaction, followed by fever. Conclusions: the HeberFERON was an effective and safe medicine to treat basal cell carcinoma, and offer an alternative in patients who cannot be operated on.

New Combined Eye Gel with Alpha-2-Beta Interferon.

The results of the development of combined eye gel with interferon alpha-2-beta are presented. Experimental samples of the gel based on different gelling agents were prepared and their biotechnological and technological characteristics (the absence of the cytotoxic effect, aggregation stability, osmotic activity, bioadhesion, and rheological parameters) were evaluated. The composition with hydroxyethyl cellulose, Natrosol 250HHX, in a concentration of 1.5% as a gelling agent showed the best results and the best one-year stability.

Interferon Alfa 2b for Ocular Surface Squamous Neoplasia: Factors Influencing the Treatment Response.

PURPOSE: To study the factors influencing the response to treatment with interferon alfa 2b (IFN) in ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN)Methods: Retrospective study of 91 patientsResults: The mean age at presentation of patients with OSSN was 58 years (median, 60 years; range, 21 to 83 years). The mean number of clock hours of conjunctiva/cornea/limbus involvement by the tumor was 6 (median, 6; range, 1 to 12). The mean duration of topical IFN was 3 months (median, 3 months; range, 1 to 6 months) and the mean number of subconjunctival injections of IFN was 2 (median, 2; range, 0 to 6), till complete tumor regression or initiation of alternate treatment. Of 91 OSSN cases treated with IFN, 72 (79%) patients showed complete response to treatment, while 19 (21%) showed partial response displaying mean % tumor reduction of 34% (median, 20%; range, 5% to 90%). Patient demographics, immune status, disease chronicity, tumor location, or morphological pattern were not predictive of tumor response to IFN. The only factor predictive of incomplete response of OSSN to IFN was more than 6 clock hour involvement of ocular surface by OSSN (p = .04). Of 31 (34%) cases with OSSN >6 clock hours, 23 (74%) patients showed complete tumor regression with IFN alone, while 8 (26%) patients displayed incomplete response; and of 60 (66%) cases with OSSN ≤6 clock hours, 49 (82%) patients showed complete tumor regression with IFN alone, while 11 (18%) patients displayed incomplete response. Tumor recurrence was noted in 3% cases and one case had corneal perforation secondary to infective keratitis over a mean follow-up period of 14 months (median, 8 months; range, 3 to 58 months). CONCLUSION: Clock hour involvement of ocular surface by OSSN determines the response to IFN. Interferon alfa 2b is an effective immunotherapy agent for tumors ≤6 clock hours of ocular surface in 82% cases and serves as an immunoreducing agent for larger tumors involving >6 clock hours of ocular surface in 26% cases.

Pegylated-interferon consolidation treatment versus nucleos(t)ide analogue consolidation treatment in non-cirrhotic hepatitis B patients with hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion: an open-label pilot trial.

BACKGROUND: The safety of nucleos(t)ide analogue (NA) treatment cessation remains one of the most controversial topics in the management of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients. This study investigated the efficiency of 48-week pegylated-interferon (peg-IFN) alfa-2a consolidation therapy on viral relapse after discontinued NA treatment in CHB patients who achieved hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) seroconversion for > 1 year. METHODS: NA-treated HBeAg-positive patients who achieved the standard of discontinued NA treatment (i.e. time of HBeAg seroconversion > 1 year) were randomly assigned to receive peg-IFN consolidation (n = 24) treatment or continue original NA therapy (n = 24) for 48 weeks. The treatments were then discontinued, and the patients were observed up to 144 weeks. The primary endpoint was the proportion of patients with viral relapse at week 144 among those who received at least one dose of study drug or had at least one study visit [modified intention-to-treat population (mITT)]. RESULTS: Of the 24 patients who received peg-IFN treatment, 6 (25%) experienced viral relapse and 8 (36.3%) showed HBsAg loss during 96 weeks of treatment-free follow-up. Of the patients who underwent NA consolidation treatment, only 1 (4.3%) of 23 patients showed HBsAg loss and 14 (58.3%) of 24 patients experienced viral relapse during follow-up. HBsAg level decline < 0.25 log10 IU/mL at week 96 was significantly associated with viral relapse. CONCLUSION: A 48-week peg-IFN alfa-2a consolidation therapy increased the rate of HBsAg loss and sustained viral replication suppression in HBeAg-positive patients who achieved HBeAg seroconversion for > 1 year after NA treatment discontinuation.

Conjunctival papillomatosis in children treated with co-adjuvant topical interferon alpha-2b. / Papilomatosis conjuntival en niños tratada con interferón alfa-2b tópico coadyuvante.

A series of paediatric patients is presented in whom topical interferon alpha-2b was used as a co-adjuvant treatment for conjunctival papilloma. This condition is frequently associated with human papillomavirus infection. There is little information on the pediatric population with the use of interferon for the treatment of these lesions. In this case series, adjuvant treatment with topical interferon alpha-2b in paediatric patients showed no recurrence and good tolerance.

Episcleritis in a patient with mucosal melanoma treated with interferon alfa-2b and radiotherapy: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Mucosal melanoma of the head and neck is a rare malignant tumor associated with a poor prognosis. Surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and biotherapy are common strategies for treating mucosal melanoma of the head and neck. Episcleritis is an idiopathic, immune-mediated disease, and is classified into two types: simple episcleritis and nodular episcleritis. CASE PRESENTATION: In this case report we describe ocular changes involving simple episcleritis in a 65-year-old Chinese man with mucosal melanoma of the head and neck after treatment with interferon alfa-2b and radiotherapy. On the third day of interferon alfa-2b treatment, he began to develop simple episcleritis in his left eye. Moreover, the percentage of CD3+ T cells in lymphocytes from blood was increased after interferon alfa-2b treatment. After approximately 6 days, the symptoms of eye pain, hyperemia, and edema disappeared gradually. Then, after radiotherapy was performed three times, he again developed episcleritis in his left eye. The same symptoms of hyperemia and edema occurred again; CD3+ T cell frequency was also at a higher level. After approximately a week, all the symptoms disappeared completely. Simple treatment involving topical ofloxacin and phenylephrine was administered during the two periods of episcleritis. CONCLUSION: Episcleritis in this patient might have been due to the treatment with interferon alfa-2b and radiotherapy, leading to an increase in the level of CD3+ T cells and activation of immune system cells, which provides the guide for clinical clinicians.

Resolution of conjunctival melanoma with topical interferon alpha 2b in a patient with mitomycin C intolerance. / Resolución de un melanoma conjuntival con interferón tópico alfa 2b en un paciente con intolerancia a la mitomicina C.

OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and histological resolution of a case of an inexcisable conjunctival melanoma using topical interferon alpha 2b (INFα2b) in a patient with mitomycin C (MMC) intolerance. CASE REPORT: Conjunctival melanoma is a rare, but potentially sight- and life-threatening, tumour. In cases of multiple lesions, or when surgical excision is not possible, topical combination chemotherapy with MMC and INFα2b has been described as first line therapy. The case is presented of a 77 year-old woman with a multifocal conjunctival in situ melanoma, who was intolerant to initial treatment with MMC and was switched to long-term INFα2b therapy, with a good outcome. CONCLUSIONS: When topical MMC is given as chemotherapy treatment for primary acquired melanosis with atypia or in situ melanoma is not well tolerated, switching to INFα2b seems to be a good option. This approach could replace surgical management of pigmented tumours, especially the larger ones, with potential benefits that include less dependence on surgical margins. This report prompts a need for prospective studies designed to examine the role of INFα2b as primary treatment for heavily pigmented conjunctival tumours avoiding the ocular surface toxicity caused by MMC.

Patient characteristics associated with peglyated interferon alfa-2a induced neutropenia in chronic hepatitis C patients.

Neutropenia is a haematologic disorder commonly reported in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection treated with pegylated interferon alfa-2a (PEG-IFN α-2a). The objective of the present project is to identify patient characteristics associated with neutropenia in hepatitis C patients. Demographic, clinical, and genetic data from 715 patients with chronic HCV infection treated with PEG-IFN α-2a and ribavirin. The outcome variable was the development of grade 3 or 4 neutropenia, defined as the decrease in neutrophil counts below 1 109 /L anytime during study. Predictors of neutropenia were identified using a 2-stage approach. First, univariate analysis was performed to identify possible predictors of neutropenia. T test was used for continuous variables and Fisher's exact test was used for categorical variables. Second, multiple logistic regression with stepwise addition was then performed using predictors identified in the univariate analysis step to produce final model containing independent predictors at P < .05. Logistic regression identified female gender, absolute neutrophils counts, and cholesterol level as the main predictors of neutropenia. Female gender increases the odds of experiencing neutropenia by 86% compared to male gender. A 1 unit (mmol/L) increase in cholesterol level decreases the odds of developing neutropenia by 13%. A 55% reduction in the likelihood of developing neutropenia for a 1 unit (109 /L) increase in the absolute neutrophils counts. Patients with high risk of developing neutropenia can be identified. Identification of this cohort allows early intervention to prevent neutropenia. Possible intervention is to administer drugs that raise neutrophil count such as filgrastim before neutropenia occurs.