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Interferon therapy for acute hepatitis C during pregnancy.
Ersan Ozaslan1, Rahmi Yilmaz, Halis Simsek
1Division of Gastroenterology, Hacettepe University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. er72@hotmail.com
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|October 26, 2002
Summary
Interferon alfa therapy for acute hepatitis C in pregnancy resulted in a successful outcome for both mother and infants. Despite adverse effects and premature birth, the infants showed normal development and no congenital anomalies.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection during pregnancy poses risks for both mother and fetus.
- Interferon therapy, known for its antiproliferative effects, raises concerns regarding fetal safety.
- Acute hepatitis C in pregnancy is rare, and data on interferon use in this population is limited.
Observation:
- A pregnant patient diagnosed with acute hepatitis C at 16 weeks gestation received interferon alfa-2b therapy.
- The 2.5-month treatment course was discontinued due to adverse effects, yet achieved biochemical and virologic response.
- The patient experienced premature labor, delivering healthy but growth-restricted twins.
Findings:
- The treated infants, exposed to interferon alfa-2b in utero, exhibited normal development at 18 months.
- Hepatitis C serology was negative in both infants at 18 months.
- A total of 8 infants, including this case, exposed to interferon alfa and/or ribavirin during pregnancy showed no congenital anomalies.
Implications:
- Inadvertent interferon exposure during pregnancy may not necessitate pregnancy termination.
- Interferon therapy for acute hepatitis C in pregnancy warrants careful consideration and close monitoring.
- Further controlled studies are needed to establish definitive safety profiles for interferon use in pregnant populations.