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Effect of interferon-alpha on cognitive functioning in patients with chronic hepatitis C
Robin C Hilsabeck1, Tarek I Hassanein, Elizabeth A Ziegler
1Department of Neuropsychiatry & Behavioral Science, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas, USA. Robin.Hilsabeck@med.va.gov
Journal of the International Neuropsychological Society : JINS
|February 3, 2005
Summary
Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) treatment may impair cognitive function in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients. CHC patients on IFN-alpha showed worse performance on a complex task, suggesting potential practice deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Hepatology
- Psychology
Background:
- Interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) is known to affect cognitive functioning across various medical conditions.
- Limited data exists on IFN-alpha's specific impact on cognitive abilities in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of IFN-alpha therapy on neuropsychological test performance in CHC patients.
- To assess cognitive changes in CHC patients undergoing IFN-alpha treatment compared to a control group.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 30 CHC patients was studied, with 11 receiving IFN-alpha therapy and 19 not.
- Neuropsychological testing using the Symbol Digit Modalities Test and Trail Making Test was conducted at baseline and after 6 months.
Main Results:
- The IFN-alpha treatment group demonstrated significantly poorer performance on Part B of the Trail Making Test after 6 months.
- No significant differences were observed between groups on Part A of the Trail Making Test or the Symbol Digit Modalities Test.
Conclusions:
- IFN-alpha treatment in CHC patients may hinder the ability to benefit from practice on certain cognitive tasks.
- Further research is required to confirm these findings and identify factors contributing to IFN-alpha-related cognitive effects.