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Seizures during pegylated interferon and ribavirin therapy for chronic Hepatitis C: observations from the WIN-R trial.
- Source :
-
Journal of clinical gastroenterology [J Clin Gastroenterol] 2011 Mar; Vol. 45 (3), pp. 286-92. - Publication Year :
- 2011
-
Abstract
- Background: Seizures are reported as an uncommon side effect of interferon therapy.<br />Aim: To determine the frequency and presentation of seizures occurring during pegylated interferon-α (PEG-IFNα) and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C.<br />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-IFNα-2b (1.5 μg/kg/wk).<br />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-IFNα-2b plus ribavirin therapy was continued in 2 patients following seizure and neither experienced a recurrent seizure.<br />Conclusions: Seizures occur infrequently in patients receiving PEG-IFNα-2b plus ribavirin, and appear to be associated with other risk factors including antidepressant use.
- Subjects :
- Antiviral Agents administration & dosage
Antiviral Agents therapeutic use
Drug Therapy, Combination
Female
Hepacivirus drug effects
Hepatitis C, Chronic virology
Humans
Interferon alpha-2
Interferon-alpha administration & dosage
Interferon-alpha therapeutic use
Male
Middle Aged
Polyethylene Glycols administration & dosage
Polyethylene Glycols therapeutic use
Recombinant Proteins
Ribavirin administration & dosage
Ribavirin therapeutic use
Seizures physiopathology
Treatment Outcome
Antiviral Agents adverse effects
Hepatitis C, Chronic drug therapy
Interferon-alpha adverse effects
Polyethylene Glycols adverse effects
Ribavirin adverse effects
Seizures chemically induced
Seizures epidemiology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1539-2031
- Volume :
- 45
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Journal of clinical gastroenterology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 20930643
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1097/MCG.0b013e3181f656fb