Irreversible Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with the use of Interferon Alpha for Chronic Hepatitis C.

Irreversible Pulmonary Hypertension Associated with the use of Interferon Alpha for Chronic Hepatitis C.

2010 Apr 22.
Dhillon S, Kaker A, Dosanjh A, Japra D, Vanthiel DH.

Department of Medicine, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 W. Harrison St., Ste. 158 Professional Building, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA, ***@****.
Abstract

The interferons are a complex group of virally induced proteins produced by activated macrophages and lymphocytes, which have become the mainstay of therapy for hepatitis C infection. Sustained viral response (SVR) rates in noncirrhotic patients vary from 40-80% with interferon-based therapy. This, along with transplantation, has drastically changed the course of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection over the last two decades. Numerous side effects associated with interferon therapy have been reported. These range from transient flu-like symptoms to serious effects such as cardiac arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, renal and liver failure, polyneuropathy, and myelosuppression. Pulmonary side effects including pneumonitis, pulmonary fibrosis, and reversible pulmonary hypertension have been reported. Herein, we present four cases in which irreversible pulmonary hypertension was diagnosed after prolonged treatment with interferon alpha. In each case, other causes of pulmonary hypertension were systematically eliminated. Pulmonary artery hypertension, which may be irreversible, should be considered in patients being treated with interferon alpha who present with exertional dyspnea and do not have a readily identifiable inflammatory or thromboembolic cause.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20411421

Mike

[FlGuy]

And the good news keeps on coming.

I wonder how "prolonged treatment" is defined.  There have been many 72-weekers and others like Bill and Rev who have exceeded 90 weeks.  And then there have many many people who have treated multipe times, but for shorter spans each.

Wow.

[FlGuy]

And the good news keeps on coming.

I wonder how "prolonged treatment" is defined.  There have been many 72-weekers and others like Bill and Rev who have exceeded 90 weeks.  And then there have many many people who have treated multipe times, but for shorter spans each.

Wow.

[mikesimon]

I know - I hated seeing that but I thought people should know. I have no idea what the incidence rate is but I have my hand-held spirometer handy to make sure I'm at least breathing.
Mike

[child24angel]

Interesting, actually a little scary.
and what about the people as mentioned by FLGuy or
all the people that are or were on maintenance therapy for a long duration.
Elaine

[Upbeat]

Thanks for the post.  Most people on this board don't want to hear this stuff.  Its damm the torprdo's and full stem ahead.  A rational approach is needed when deciding on TX .

[tashka]

Upbeat, I tried to send you a PM, but I get no response. Can we talk?

[smaug48]

Thanks for posting that, Mike.

smaug

[copyman]

thanks mike

i think this is exactly the kind of information that should be posted on this forum.