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Eosinophilic enteritis observed during alpha-interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C
S Kakumitsu1, H Shijo, N Akiyoshi
1The Division of Gastroenterology, Fukuoka University Hospital, Japan.
Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 25, 2000
Summary
Recombinant interferon alpha-2b treatment for hepatitis C may trigger eosinophilic enteritis. This condition, characterized by abdominal pain and increased eosinophils, resolved with prednisolone treatment.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Hepatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C management often involves interferon therapy.
- Eosinophilic enteritis is a rare gastrointestinal disorder.
- Interferon therapy's potential side effects require ongoing investigation.
Observation:
- A patient with chronic hepatitis C developed severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and elevated eosinophil counts during interferon alpha-2b treatment.
- Imaging revealed diffuse intestinal wall thickening, ascites with eosinophils, and mucosal edema in the small intestine.
- Symptoms and laboratory findings resolved after treatment with prednisolone.
Findings:
- The patient's condition, eosinophilic enteritis, was temporally associated with interferon alpha-2b administration.
- No other common causes for eosinophilic enteritis were identified.
- The case suggests a potential causal link between interferon alpha-2b and eosinophilic enteritis.
Implications:
- Interferon alpha-2b may be an underrecognized cause of eosinophilic enteritis.
- Clinicians should consider interferon-induced enteritis in patients presenting with relevant symptoms during therapy.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanism of interferon-induced eosinophilic enteritis.
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