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Optic tract neuropathy complicating low-dose interferon treatment
E K Manesis1, C Petrou, D Brouzas
1Academic Department of Medicine, Hippocration General Hospital, Athens, Greece.
Journal of Hepatology
|September 1, 1994
Summary
Alpha interferon-2b treatment for chronic hepatitis can cause optic neuritis, a serious complication affecting vision. Early detection through visual evoked potentials may prevent permanent visual impairment.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-ophthalmology
- Hepatology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Alpha interferon-2b is a treatment for chronic hepatitis.
- Optic neuritis is a potential adverse effect of alpha interferon-2b therapy.
Observation:
- Three patients receiving alpha interferon-2b for chronic hepatitis developed optic neuritis.
- Symptoms included blurred vision, confirmed as optic tract neuropathy via electrophysiologic testing.
- Two patients experienced depressive reactions, one severe enough to halt treatment.
Findings:
- Visual symptoms resolved in two patients after discontinuing interferon.
- One patient had persistent optic tract impairment, visual acuity decrease, and central scotoma.
- This persistent case involved continued interferon treatment despite initial visual symptoms.
Implications:
- Clinically significant optic tract neuropathy can complicate interferon administration.
- Routine pre-treatment and on-treatment examinations of visual fields and visual evoked potentials are recommended.
- Proactive monitoring may prevent permanent visual sequelae in patients undergoing interferon therapy.