Changes in serum lipids in patients with condylomata acuminata treated with interferon alfa-n1 (Wellferon)

Nine men with refractory condylomata acuminata were treated with intramuscular interferon alfa-n1 and the effect on their serum lipid levels was noted. Comparison of lipid panels before and after interferon revealed that all nine patients had an increase (median 62 mg/dl, p = 0.004) in their triglyceride level and a decrease (median 21 mg/dl, p = 0.004) in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Total cholesterol levels tended to decrease but the change was not statistically significant. This effect on serum lipids should be considered when interferon alfa-n1 is used in the treatment of genital warts.