Reactions 1405 - 9 Jun 2012

SPeginterferon-α/ribavirin

Irreversible anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy:case report

A 55-year-old man developed irreversible anteriorischaemic optic neuropathy during coadministration ofpeginterferon-α and ribavirin.

The man, who had chronic hepatitis C, started treatmentwith peginterferon-α 180 µg/week and ribavirin1000 mg/day in June 2008 [routes not stated]. Five monthslater, he presented with sudden decreased vision in botheyes. His visual acuity, which was previously normal, was2/10 and 4/10 in his left and right eyes, respectively.Bilateral disc oedema was seen upon fundus examination,and bilateral anterior ischaemic optic neuropathy wasconfirmed by fluorescein angiography. Both of his eyes didnot respond to visual evoked potentials.

The patient’s antiviral drugs were withdrawn, and hereceived methylprednisolone for 5 days. One month later,he had partially resolved optic disc oedema and persistentdecreased vision. His visual acuity was 3/10 and 5/10 in hisleft and right eyes, respectively. At last follow-up, after1 year, his visual acuity had not improved.

Author comment: "We report a case of a patient withchronic hepatitis C who developed irreversible anteriorischemic optic neuropathy during antiviral treatment by[peginterferon-α] combined with ribavirin."Seddik H, et al. Irreversible anterior ischemic optic neuropathy complicatinginterferon alpha and ribaverin therapy. International Journal of Hepatology 2011:No. 814242, 2011. Available from: URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.4061/2011/814242 -Morocco 803071801

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Reactions 9 Jun 2012 No. 14050114-9954/10/1405-0001/$14.95 Adis © 2010 Springer International Publishing AG. All rights reserved