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Questions in The Hepatitis Forum are being answered by doctors from
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Subject: Re: LASTING SIDE EFFECTS OR REBETRON
Forum: The Hepatitis Forum

Topic Area:

Topic Area: Hepatitis C
HUSBAND CONTRACTED HEP C FROM BLOOD TRANSFUSION IN 1971. EXPERIENCED JAUNDICE WHILE IN HOSPITAL.
LIVED HEALTHY LIFE IN THE COUNTRY UNTIL 1998 HEALTH FAIR SHOWED SOME ABNORMAL BLOOD WORK. NOW
JAUNDICE OF '71 IS HEP C. LIVER BIOPSY SHOWS "MINOR" LIVER DAMAGE. GENOTYPE OF HEP IS 1A. VIRAL COUNT IS 1 MILL. MARK.
GASTRO. TELLS OF NEW COMBINATION THERAPY (REBETRON) FOR NAIVE
PATIENTS. 3 MONTHS LATER NO VIRUS DETECTABLE IN BLOOD. 5.5 MONTHS LATER THE FATIGUE, ITCHING, COUGH, SHORTNESS OF BREATH
LOSS OF MENTAL SHARPNESS, DEVELOPMENT OF VASCULAR NODULES AROUND SCAR TISSUE & DEPRESSION FORCE THERAPY'S END. WHEN NODULES & SHORTNESS
OF BREATH DO NOT SUBSIDE, A RETURN VISIT TO GASTRO. IS MADE TO INQUIRE ABOUT THE CONTINUED PRESENCE OF NODULES NEAR VEINS & SCAR TISSUE.
THE GASTRO. PRONOUNCES THIS TO BE POLYARTERITIS NODOSA, SEEMS ASTOUNDED AND CERTAIN, AND SENDS HUSBAND TO DERMATOLOGIST. DERMATOLOGIST DOEW
BIOPSY. DIAGNOSES VASCULAR DERMATITIS. SHORTNESS OF BREATH, CHRONIC DRY COUGH, AND NODULES & ULCER-TYPE ERUPTIONS NEAR SCARS ARE ALL STILL
PRESENT. LUNG X=RAY SHOWS NOTHING. WHERE SHOULD WE TURN NOW? THE THERAPY HAS BEEN OVER FOR 4 WKS. ANY GUIDANCE OF PERTINENT INFO.?

I am certainly disappointed to hear about the problems your husband has developed. Perhaps, I can make a few comments that might be helpful.

I obviously cant comment on the accuracy of the diagnoses your husband has be given. Polyarteritis nodosa (PAN) and vasculitis are autoimmune disorders where the bodys own immune system attacks the blood vessels and creates skin lesions among other problems. They are associated with both hepatitis C (without therapy) and interferon therapy. Interferon is one of the two drugs that makes up Rebetron. They are unusual in either setting but they are seen. If PAN or vasculitis is caused by hepatitis C, it often gets better with therapy. If it is caused by the interferon, it typically flares with treatment and is an indication for stopping the treatment.

First, I am pleased the treatment has been stopped. Secondly the shortness of breath should be evaluated with tests to measure the oxygen present in the body. Shortness of breath must always be considered a serious symptom. Finally, you may wish to see a specialist with experience with PAN or vasculitis. Rheumatologists often manage these disorders. I am certain, your physicians can refer to you an appropriate physician. On some occasions we treat PAN or vasculitis with specific medications including steroids.

I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have additional questions or concerns, I invite you to contact us at Henry Ford. Our direct phone number is (313) 916-8865. If you have the opportunity, I would also invite you to visit us at Henry Ford. We have an active group of liver specialists and we have significant interest in and experience with hepatitis C.

This response is being provided for general informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice or consultation. Always check with your personal physician when you have a question pertaining to your health.

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