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Pancreatitis induced by pegylated interferon alfa-2b in a patient affected by chronic hepatitis C

Enrica Cecchi1, Paolo Forte, Elisabetta Cini

  • 1Department of Pharmacology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. enrica.cecchi@unifi.it

Emergency Medicine Australasia : EMA
|November 13, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Pegylated interferon alfa-2b, used for hepatitis C, can cause acute pancreatitis. Early recognition of symptoms like nausea and vomiting is crucial for preventing severe drug-induced adverse events.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Gastroenterology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C is a significant global health concern.
  • Hepatitis C treatment often involves antiviral medications such as interferon and ribavirin.
  • Drug-induced adverse events necessitate careful patient monitoring.

Observation:

  • A middle-aged male patient presented with acute pancreatitis symptoms including nausea, vomiting, abdominal distention, and fainting.
  • Laboratory tests confirmed elevated serum amylase and lipase levels.
  • The patient reported recent self-administration of pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C.

Findings:

  • The patient's symptoms resolved after discontinuing pegylated interferon alfa-2b and ribavirin.
  • The Naranjo algorithm indicated a probable association between pegylated interferon alfa-2b and the acute pancreatitis.
  • This case aligns with existing literature linking pegylated interferon alfa-2b to acute pancreatitis.

Implications:

  • Pegylated interferon alfa-2b is a potential cause of drug-induced acute pancreatitis.
  • Early identification of clinical signs and symptoms is vital for preventing severe adverse drug reactions.
  • Clinicians should consider medication history in patients presenting with acute pancreatitis.

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