PURPOSE: Interferon alpha, which is used to treat various systemic disorders, has many reversible side-effects involving various organ systems. In this study, chronic active hepatitis patients undergoing interferon alpha therapy were followed with regard to the ocular side-effects. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with chronic active hepatitis undergoing subcutaneous interferon alpha therapy for 1 year were enrolled. Complete ocular examination and photographic documentation were performed at baseline of the therapy and monthly thereafter. Fisher's exact chi-squared test and Mann-Whitney U-test were employed in the statistical evaluation of the results. RESULTS: Trichomegaly was noted in 2 (6%) patients. Fifteen patients (42%) were found to have retinopathy with cotton wool spot formation and splinter haemorrhages. CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasise the need to monitor these retinal complications, which may result in loss of vision in patients receiving interferon alpha therapy.
PURPOSE: Interferon alpha, which is used to treat various systemic disorders, has many reversible side-effects involving various organ systems. In this study, chronic active hepatitispatients undergoing interferon alpha therapy were followed with regard to the ocular side-effects. METHODS: Thirty-six patients with chronic active hepatitis undergoing subcutaneous interferon alpha therapy for 1 year were enrolled. Complete ocular examination and photographic documentation were performed at baseline of the therapy and monthly thereafter. Fisher's exact chi-squared test and Mann-Whitney U-test were employed in the statistical evaluation of the results. RESULTS:Trichomegaly was noted in 2 (6%) patients. Fifteen patients (42%) were found to have retinopathy with cotton wool spot formation and splinter haemorrhages. CONCLUSIONS: These findings emphasise the need to monitor these retinal complications, which may result in loss of vision in patients receiving interferon alpha therapy.