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[Psychotic disorders induced by interferon alfa]
Pierluigi D'Innella1, Giuseppe Zaccala, Maurizio Terazzi
1Cattedra di Psichiatria, Università del Piemonte Orientale A. Avogadro, Novara. pierluigidinnella@hotmail.com
Recenti Progressi in Medicina
|June 28, 2002
Summary
Interferon-alpha treatment can cause neuropsychiatric side effects, including psychosis. A patient with alcohol-induced psychotic disorder developed a psychotic reaction during Pegylated Interferon alfa-2b therapy for hepatitis C, which resolved upon discontinuation.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Neuropsychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to chronic hepatitis with elevated liver enzymes.
- Interferon-alpha based therapies, such as Pegylated Interferon alfa-2b and Ribavirin, are used to treat HCV.
- Interferon-alpha is known to have potential neuropsychiatric side effects, including psychosis, and is contraindicated in patients with major depression.
Observation:
- A 46-year-old male patient with a history of alcohol-induced psychotic disorder was initiated on Pegylated Interferon alfa-2b and Ribavirin for HCV-induced chronic hepatitis.
- During the initial two months of treatment, liver enzymes normalized, and mild side effects were noted.
- The patient subsequently developed a psychotic reaction.
Findings:
- The patient's psychotic symptoms emerged during the course of interferon therapy.
- Discontinuation of Pegylated Interferon alfa-2b led to the complete resolution of the psychotic symptoms.
- This case highlights a potential link between interferon therapy and the exacerbation or induction of psychotic disorders.
Implications:
- Clinicians should be vigilant for neuropsychiatric side effects, particularly psychosis, in patients receiving interferon-alpha treatments, even those with pre-existing psychiatric conditions.
- Careful patient selection and monitoring are crucial when initiating interferon-based therapies.
- Further research may be warranted to understand the mechanisms underlying interferon-induced psychosis and to develop strategies for prevention or management.