Retinal Changes In Patients with Hepatitis C Virus under treatment with interferon and ribavirin.

Abstract

Background: Chronic Hepatitis C is common problem worldwide treated by combination of interferon alpha and ribavirin. Retinopathy is one of the side effects of interferon therapy. Aim: determine the frequency and risk factors of retinopathy in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated by interferon and ribavirin combination therapy in Egypt. Methods and Results: Total 100 patients were enrolled among which, 16 (16%) developed retinopathy in the form of cotton wool spots and 14(14%) developed atypical complications. Conclusion: Retinopathy may occur in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving interferon alpha and ribavirin.

Keywords

• retinopathy
• interferon
• ribavirin
• chronic hepatitis c