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PubMed · 1860646

Interferon-induced chronic active hepatitis?

M O Silva·K R Reddy·L J Jeffers·M Hill·E R Schiff
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Abstract

A 54-year-old man with chronic B hepatitis was treated with interferon alfa. Despite resolution of the hepatitis B viral infection, he experienced severe jaundice, ascites, and encephalopathy. Further work-up showed hyperglobulinemia, chiefly immunoglobulin G, and positive smooth muscle and anti-nuclear antibodies. Because of these "autoimmune" features, the patient was treated with prednisone. One month later, a significant clinical and biochemical improvement was observed. A possible autoimmune mechanism induced by interferon alfa is proposed as the cause for the perpetuation of the necroinflammatory activity.

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Autoimmune DiseasesHepatitis BHepatitis, ChronicHumansInterferon alpha-2Interferon-alphaMaleMiddle AgedPrednisoneRecombinant ProteinsCase ReportsJournal Article

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M O Silva, K R Reddy, L J Jeffers, M Hill, E R Schiff. 1991. Interferon-induced chronic active hepatitis?. https://doi.org/10.1016/0016-5085(91)90547-x

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