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[Autoimmunization induced by interferon alpha therapy in chronic hepatitis C].
Pierre Rocca1, Liana Codes, Michèle Chevallier
1Service d'Hépatologie et de Gastro-Entérologie, Hôpital de l'Hôtel-Dieu, Lyon.
Gastroenterologie Clinique Et Biologique
|January 20, 2005
Summary
Interferon alpha therapy can trigger autoimmune hepatitis in chronic hepatitis C patients, leading to severe liver inflammation and fibrosis. Autoimmunity should be considered in unexplained ALT flares during treatment.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C (HCV) is a significant cause of liver disease.
- Interferon alpha (IFN-α) therapy was a common treatment for HCV.
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old woman with post-transfusion chronic hepatitis C experienced a severe alanine aminotransferase (ALT) flare during IFN-α 2b therapy.
- The ALT flare was associated with rapid progression of liver fibrosis.
- Other causes like viral superinfection, toxic hepatitis, or metabolic diseases were ruled out.
Findings:
- Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) typing revealed a profile (A1 B8 DR3) associated with autoimmune risk.
- Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) and anti-smooth muscle antibodies (ASMA) were detected.
- These findings suggest an autoimmune response triggered by IFN-α therapy.
Implications:
- This case highlights the potential for IFN-α to induce autoimmune hepatitis.
- Autoimmunity should be investigated in patients with unexplained ALT flares during IFN-α therapy for HCV.
- Understanding treatment-induced autoimmunity is crucial for managing chronic liver diseases.