Seizures During Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C Observations From the WIN-R Trial
Document Type
Article
Department
Gastroenterology
Abstract
Background:Seizures are reported as an uncommon side effect of interferon therapy. Aim: To determine the frequency and presentation of seizures occurring during pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG-IFN alpha) and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C.
Methods:
Patients were identified using data from the WIN-R trial database, a US multicenter study comparing fixed (800 mg) versus weight-based (800 to 1400 mg) daily dosing of ribavirin in combination with PEG-IFN alpha-2b (1.5 mu g/kg/wk).
Results:
Of the 4913 enrolled Patients, 8 (0.16%) had a seizure. Three Patients had a grand mal seizure and the seizure type was unknown in 5 Patients. At the time of seizure, 6 Patients were taking antidepressants (including 3 on bupropion), 1 was hyponatremic, and 1 had consumed a significant amount of alcohol. One Patient had a history of seizures. Neuroimaging and electroencephalographic studies were negative. Antiepileptic medications were continued in the Patient with a history of seizures and initiated in 1 Patient. PEG-IFN alpha-2b plus ribavirin therapy was continued in 2 Patients following seizure and neither experienced a recurrent seizure.
Conclusions:
Seizures occur infrequently in Patients receiving PEG-IFN alpha-2b plus ribavirin, and appear to be associated with other risk factors including antidepressant use.
Publication (Name of Journal)
Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
Recommended Citation
Ahmed, F.,
Jacobson, I.,
Herrera, J.,
Brand, M.,
Wasserman, R.,
Fixelle, A.,
Rustgi, V.,
Albert, C.,
Brown, R.,
Brass, C.
(2011). Seizures During Pegylated Interferon and Ribavirin Therapy for Chronic Hepatitis C Observations From the WIN-R Trial. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 45(3), 286-292.
Available at:
https://ecommons.aku.edu/pakistan_fhs_mc_med_gastroenterol/29