Secondary hyperparathyroidism exacerbation: a rare side-effect of interferon-alpha?

Recombinant human interferon alpha (alpha IFN) is the only treatment with proven benefit for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Nevertheless its use in some susceptible individuals has led to the development or aggravation of different autoimmune conditions. We report the case of a 20 year o...

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Published inClinical nephrology Vol. 51; no. 4; p. 248
Main Authors Calvino, J, Romero, R, Suárez-Peñaranda, J M, Arcocha, V, Lens, X M, Mardaras, J, Novoa, D, Sánchez-Guisande, D
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Germany 01.04.1999
Subjects
Adult
Antiviral Agents - adverse effects
Biopsy
Female
Hepatitis C, Chronic - complications
Hepatitis C, Chronic - pathology
Hepatitis C, Chronic - therapy
Humans
Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary - chemically induced
Hyperparathyroidism, Secondary - pathology
Interferon-alpha - adverse effects
Kidney Failure, Chronic - complications
Kidney Failure, Chronic - therapy
Peritoneal Dialysis
Psoriasis - chemically induced
Psoriasis - pathology
Recombinant Proteins
Recurrence
Skin - pathology
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Summary:Recombinant human interferon alpha (alpha IFN) is the only treatment with proven benefit for chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Nevertheless its use in some susceptible individuals has led to the development or aggravation of different autoimmune conditions. We report the case of a 20 year old woman on peritoneal dialysis with chronic lobular hepatitis secondary to HCV infection who developed de novo psoriasis 9 months after starting treatment with alpha-IFN. In addition to psoriasis, alpha-IFN prescription was also concurrent with an unexpected and refractory secondary hyperparathyroidism exacerbation initially characterized by a marked reduction of serum calcium levels and a consequential increase of PTH. Both complications disappeared after drug withdrawal. The clinical sequence makes an alpha-IFN-induced autoimmune side effect the most plausible hypothesis. The case is discussed and some possible etiopathogenic factors are briefly reviewed.
ISSN:0301-0430