S Schmidt1, U Pleyer. 1. Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Campus Virchow. st-st.st@web.de
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Interferons are a complex group of glycoproteins with antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory activity. They are used to treat different types of human neoplasms and chronic hepatitis C. Several case reports have described interferon-induced ocular side effects since the first case in 1990. PATIENT AND METHODS: We report about a 61-year-old female undergoing interferon 2alpha treatment who developed bilateral retinopathy during systemic therapy and provide a summary about ocular side effects and their consequences. CONCLUSIONS: Patients should be monitored by ophthalmologists before, during and after interferon therapy in order to avoid side effects like retinal neovascularisation and to prevent potential serious side effects.
BACKGROUND: Interferons are a complex group of glycoproteins with antiviral, antiproliferative and immunomodulatory activity. They are used to treat different types of humanneoplasms and chronic hepatitis C. Several case reports have described interferon-induced ocular side effects since the first case in 1990. PATIENT AND METHODS: We report about a 61-year-old female undergoing interferon 2alpha treatment who developed bilateral retinopathy during systemic therapy and provide a summary about ocular side effects and their consequences. CONCLUSIONS:Patients should be monitored by ophthalmologists before, during and after interferon therapy in order to avoid side effects like retinal neovascularisation and to prevent potential serious side effects.