Severe exacerbation of hepatitis C-associated vasculitic neuropathy following treatment with interferon alpha: A case report and literature review

Vasculitic neuropathy may occur in association with chronic hepatitis C infection. Interferon alpha (IFNalpha), an effective treatment for chronic hepatitis C, can precipitate or worsen autoimmune diseases. We report a patient with chronic hepatitis C and mild indolent vasculitic sensorimotor peripheral polyneuropathy, who developed severe mononeuropathy multiplex soon after IFNalpha was initiated, and review the literature on worsening vasculitic neuropathy after IFNalpha treatment for chronic hepatitis C. Care should be taken after starting patient with chronic hepatitis C-associated vasculitic neuropathy on IFNalpha, as there is evidence that IFNalpha may exacerbate the neuropathy. (C) 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.