Ann Dermatol.  2013 Nov;25(4):479-482. 10.5021/ad.2013.25.4.479.

Extensive Psoriasis Induced by Pegylated Interferon Alfa-2a and Ribavirin in the Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C

• Kim GW
• Jwa SW
• Song M
• Kim HS
• Kim BS
• Kim MB
• Ko HC

• KMID: 2265062
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5021/ad.2013.25.4.479

Abstract

A 56-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C was treated with pegylated interferon alfa-2a in combination with ribavirin. However, psoriatic lesions appeared and worsened dramatically during therapy. Because of the extensive skin eruptions, he stopped therapy for chronic hepatitis C and subsequently started narrow-band ultraviolet B phototherapy and topical calcipotriol/betamethasone dipropionate ointment. After this, the psoriasis improved in a slow but comprehensive manner. Our case suggests that physicians should keep in mind the possibility of psoriasis as a side effect of interferon treatment for chronic hepatitis C.

Keyword

Hepatitis C; Peginterferon alfa-2a; Psoriasis; Ribavirin

MeSH Terms

Hepatitis C
Hepatitis C, Chronic*
Hepatitis, Chronic*
Humans
Interferon-alpha
Interferons*
Middle Aged
Phototherapy
Polyethylene Glycols
Psoriasis*
Recombinant Proteins
Ribavirin*
Skin
Interferon-alpha
Interferons
Polyethylene Glycols
Recombinant Proteins
Ribavirin

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Multiple sharply demarcated erythematous plaques on the abdomen (A) and back (B) prominent nail pitting (C), scalp involvement (D), and extremities (E).

• 

  Fig. 2 Histopathologic examination from the skin lesion revealed marked acanthosis, epidermal hyperplasia, and Munro's microabscess (H&E, ×100).

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