Posterior segment complications in patients with hepatitis C treated with interferon and ribavirin

Abstract

Purpose To determine the incidence and type of posterior segment complications associated with the use of interferon alpha 2b and ribavirin in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Design A prospective noncomparative case series. Participants Forty-two patients (84 eyes). Methods Patients with chronic hepatitis C were evaluated for ocular changes while being treated with interferon alpha 2b and ribavirin. Patients were followed with sequential ocular examinations for 4 to 20 months. Main outcome measures Occurrence of posterior segment complications while on interferon and ribavirin therapy. Results Twenty-seven patients developed retinopathy. The retinopathy consisted of single-to-multiple cotton-wool spots and retinal hemorrhage and was transient in all cases. An additional patient (age 46) presented with asymptomatic disc edema and hemorrhage. One other individual developed a symptomatic permanent monocular visual field defect. Therapy was discontinued in three patients because of severe posterior segment pathology. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that a high incidence of retinopathy is associated with the treatment of hepatitis C using interferon and ribavirin, but that this form of retinopathy is relatively benign. Regular ophthalmic monitoring should be performed in patients undergoing this treatment.