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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
04:44
Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Systemic sclerosis after interferon alphacon-1 therapy for hepatitis C.
Hiroki Tahara1, Akira Kojima, Tomoyuki Hirokawa
1Department of Internal Medicine, Kiryu Kosei General Hospital, Kiryu. hirokit@sannet.ne.jp
Internal Medicine (Tokyo, Japan)
|April 20, 2007
Summary
Interferon therapy for hepatitis C may trigger systemic sclerosis (SSc), an autoimmune disease. This case highlights a rare instance of SSc developing after consensus interferon treatment, emphasizing potential immune system risks.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Hepatology
Background:
- Interferon (IFN) therapies, including consensus interferon (IFNalphacon-1), are used for chronic hepatitis C.
- IFN is known to modulate the immune system, potentially triggering autoimmune responses and autoantibody development.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old woman developed Raynaud's phenomenon approximately one year after IFNalphacon-1 therapy.
- The patient also presented with proximal scleroderma and antinuclear antibody (ANA) positivity.
Findings:
- A diagnosis of systemic sclerosis (SSc) was established based on the clinical presentation and laboratory findings.
- This represents the third reported case of SSc following interferon alpha therapy and the first linked to IFNalphacon-1.
Implications:
- The immunomodulatory effects of IFNalphacon-1 may have triggered the onset of SSc in this patient.
- Clinicians should be aware of the potential for interferon therapy to induce or exacerbate autoimmune conditions like SSc.
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