Electroencephalographic abnormalities in interferon encephalopathy: a preliminary report

Although several studies have shown that interferon does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, recent reports have described central nervous system effects in patients receiving interferon. At our institution, we encountered three patients who had symptoms of toxicity of the central nervous sys...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inMayo Clinic proceedings Vol. 59; no. 12; p. 847
Main Authors Suter, C C, Westmoreland, B F, Sharbrough, F W, Hermann, Jr, R C
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England 01.12.1984
Subjects
Aged
Brain Diseases - etiology
Brain Diseases - physiopathology
Cognition Disorders - etiology
Electroencephalography
Humans
Interferon Type I - adverse effects
Interferon Type I - therapeutic use
Male
Middle Aged
Multiple Myeloma - drug therapy
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Summary:Although several studies have shown that interferon does not readily cross the blood-brain barrier, recent reports have described central nervous system effects in patients receiving interferon. At our institution, we encountered three patients who had symptoms of toxicity of the central nervous system (somnolence, confusion, and gait difficulties) in association with electroencephalographic abnormalities while receiving alpha 2-interferon therapy for multiple myeloma. The electroencephalogram showed diffuse slow-wave abnormalities in two of the patients and generalized sharp-wave discharges in the third patient. Because the use of interferon is increasing, physicians should be aware of the central nervous system complications and the electroencephalographic changes that can be associated with such therapy.
ISSN:0025-6196
DOI:10.1016/S0025-6196(12)65620-1