Abstract
We report the case of a 46-year old female with chronic hepatitis C virus infection who developed paresthesia and weakness of face and upper and lower extremities nine months after administration of peginterferon-alpha 2a. Considering her clinical evolution, neurological examination and nerve conduction studies, she was diagnosed with multifocal motor neuropathy related to peginterferon-alpha treatment. The patient recovered after use of intravenous immunoglobulins. From our knowledge there is no data in the literature about multifocal motor neuropathy related to peginterferon-alpha treatment. Doctors should be aware of this rare association, which requires immediate drug discontinuation and early management.
Highlights
In 1957, Isaacs and Lindemann discovered that interferons (IFNs) had the ability to interfere with viral activity
Recombinant IFN-α forms are widely used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HVC)
We report a case of peripheral neuropathy which developed after receiving interferon alpha treatment
Summary
In 1957, Isaacs and Lindemann discovered that interferons (IFNs) had the ability to interfere with viral activity. IFNs are naturally occurring cytokines with immunomodulatory, antiproliferative, and antiviral properties [1]. Recombinant IFN-α forms are widely used in the treatment of chronic hepatitis C virus (HVC). IFN acts by binding to its receptor, activating secondary messengers, which results in multiple protein production important for the defense of the cell against viruses. Through its immunomodulatory effect it enhances antigen presentation to the immune system, which activates natural killer cells and other immune cells and increases production of cytokines. Few cases of peripheral neuropathy (PN) have been reported (
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