Interferon-related bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia

Area of Science:

• Pulmonology
• Hepatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis C infection necessitates treatment, often with interferon-based therapies.
• Interferon therapy is a common treatment for chronic hepatitis C, but can have various side effects.
• Pulmonary complications associated with interferon therapy are rare but significant.

Observation:

• A patient undergoing interferon treatment for chronic hepatitis C developed dyspnea, fever, and cough after 2.5 months.
• Chest radiography revealed diffuse pulmonary infiltrates.
• Bronchoalveolar lavage showed an increase in lymphocytes, particularly CD8-positive cells.

Findings:

• Lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP).
• Pulmonary symptoms and radiographic findings resolved after discontinuing interferon and initiating corticosteroid therapy.
• Interferon was identified as the suspected cause of BOOP in this patient.

Implications:

• This case highlights a rare pulmonary adverse effect of interferon therapy in hepatitis C patients.
• Clinicians should consider interferon-induced lung disease in patients presenting with respiratory symptoms during treatment.
• Prompt recognition and management, including drug withdrawal and corticosteroid use, are crucial for favorable outcomes.