There being no prior record of risk factors and with the patient's systemic analysis giving normal results, the clinical improvement and the electro-physiological tests conducted after the drug was withdrawn point to interferon as negatively affecting the bilateral optic nerve. Discussion Interferon-α is used in the treatment of viral and neoplastic illnesses. Currently the drug is formulated as Interferon alfa pegilado (IFNα-p) in order to reduce toxicity and increase tolerance.
Interferon-alpha toxicity and reversible bilateral optical neuropathy: A timely withdrawal of the drug
 
  Keywords
 
 
  
   Toxic optical neuropathy
  
 
 
  
   Pegylated Interferon alpha
  
 
 
  
   Chronic hepatitis due to VHC
  
 
 
  
   Prolonged latency
  
 
 
  
   Evoked visual potentials
  
 
Abstract
 Clinical case A patient with <dis>chronic, painless, bilateral loss of vision</dis>, after significant intake of interferon (IFNα) and ribavirina due to liver transplant.
Ocular fundus is normal.
A suspected retrobulbar optic neuropathy is confirmed by a prolongation of the latency of the patient's visual evoked potential.
There being no prior record of risk factors and with the patient's systemic analysis giving normal results, the clinical improvement and the electro-physiological tests conducted after the drug was withdrawn point to interferon as negatively affecting the bilateral optic nerve.
Discussion Interferon-α is used in the treatment of viral and neoplastic illnesses.
Currently the drug is formulated as Interferon alfa pegilado (IFNα-p) in order to reduce toxicity and increase tolerance.
The most common secondary effects are flu symptoms, asthenia and weigh loss.
Affected ocular tissue is rare and optic neuropathy is also an infrequent complication: retinopathy at the beginning of treatment is, however, more frequent.
The most widely accepted hypothesis as to the cause of toxicity is the presence of circulating immune complexes.
It is, therefore, essential for ophthalmologists to be aware of the toxicity of this drug in order to be able to withdraw it in good time, thus preventing potentially <dis>irreversible sight loss</dis>.
Abstract
 Clinical case A patient with chronic, painless, bilateral loss of vision, after significant intake of interferon (IFNα) and ribavirina due to liver transplant.
Ocular fundus is normal.
A suspected retrobulbar optic neuropathy is confirmed by a prolongation of the latency of the patient's visual evoked potential.
There being no prior record of risk factors and with the patient's systemic analysis giving normal results, the clinical improvement and the electro-physiological tests conducted after the drug was withdrawn point to interferon as negatively affecting the bilateral optic nerve.
Discussion Interferon-α is used in the treatment of viral and neoplastic illnesses.
Currently the drug is formulated as Interferon alfa pegilado (IFNα-p) in order to reduce toxicity and increase tolerance.
The most common secondary effects are flu symptoms, asthenia and weigh loss.
Affected ocular tissue is rare and optic neuropathy is also an infrequent complication: retinopathy at the beginning of treatment is, however, more frequent.
The most widely accepted hypothesis as to the cause of toxicity is the presence of circulating immune complexes.
It is, therefore, essential for ophthalmologists to be aware of the toxicity of this drug in order to be able to withdraw it in good time, thus preventing potentially irreversible sight loss.
There being no prior record of risk factors and with the patient's systemic analysis giving normal results, the clinical improvement and the electro-physiological tests conducted after the drug was withdrawn point to interferon as negatively affecting the bilateral optic nerve. Discussion Interferon-α is used in the treatment of viral and neoplastic illnesses. Currently the drug is formulated as Interferon alfa pegilado (IFNα-p) in order to reduce toxicity and increase tolerance.