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Published on: August 6, 2021
Interferon-induced central retinal vein thrombosis.
Lubna Nazir1, Aamir Husain, Wahid Haroon
1Department of Medicine, Jinnah Medical College Hospital, Karachi. seedling7602@yahoo.com
Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
|November 14, 2012
Summary
Interferon therapy for hepatitis C can cause sudden vision loss due to central retinal vein thrombosis, even without typical risk factors. Regular eye exams are crucial for patients on interferon, especially those with dyslipidemia.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis C infection is often treated with interferon and ribavirin.
- Dyslipidemia is a potential risk factor for atherosclerosis and thrombosis.
- Central retinal vein thrombosis (CRVT) is a serious ocular vascular event.
Observation:
- A middle-aged woman developed unilateral CRVT after completing interferon and ribavirin therapy.
- The patient had no thrombophilia risk factors, but was dyslipidemic.
- Visual acuity worsened despite anticoagulation treatment.
Findings:
- Interferon therapy may be associated with unpredictable visual complications like CRVT.
- Dyslipidemia may contribute to the risk of thrombosis in patients undergoing interferon treatment.
- This case highlights a potential adverse effect of interferon therapy.
Implications:
- Ophthalmologists and hepatologists should be aware of the risk of CRVT with interferon therapy.
- Patients with underlying risk factors (diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia) require vigilant monitoring during interferon treatment.
- Early and frequent eye examinations are recommended for patients undergoing interferon therapy, particularly those with comorbidities.
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