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 antinuclear 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.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 840-842 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Gastroenterology |
| Volume | 101 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Sep 1991 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Hepatology
- Gastroenterology