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Eosinophilic enteritis observed during alpha-interferon therapy for chronic hepatitis C

S Kakumitsu1, H Shijo, N Akiyoshi

  • 1The Division of Gastroenterology, Fukuoka University Hospital, Japan.

Journal of Gastroenterology
|July 25, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Recombinant interferon alpha-2b treatment for hepatitis C may trigger eosinophilic enteritis. This condition, characterized by abdominal pain and increased eosinophils, resolved with prednisolone treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Hepatology
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C management often involves interferon therapy.
  • Eosinophilic enteritis is a rare gastrointestinal disorder.
  • Interferon therapy's potential side effects require ongoing investigation.

Observation:

  • A patient with chronic hepatitis C developed severe abdominal pain, diarrhea, and elevated eosinophil counts during interferon alpha-2b treatment.
  • Imaging revealed diffuse intestinal wall thickening, ascites with eosinophils, and mucosal edema in the small intestine.
  • Symptoms and laboratory findings resolved after treatment with prednisolone.

Findings:

  • The patient's condition, eosinophilic enteritis, was temporally associated with interferon alpha-2b administration.
  • No other common causes for eosinophilic enteritis were identified.
  • The case suggests a potential causal link between interferon alpha-2b and eosinophilic enteritis.

Implications:

  • Interferon alpha-2b may be an underrecognized cause of eosinophilic enteritis.
  • Clinicians should consider interferon-induced enteritis in patients presenting with relevant symptoms during therapy.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanism of interferon-induced eosinophilic enteritis.

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