Ocular manifestations in Egyptian children with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of interferon (IFN)-associated retinopathy and other serious ocular complications in a prospectively studied group of children with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) receiving pegylated IFN α2b and ribavirin. Patients and methods Prospective comprehensive ophthalmologic examinations were performed by the first author (D.H.A.R.K.) for all included children bilaterally at 0, 12, 24, and 48 weeks after the start of treatment, and at 6 months after the end of treatment. Data recorded included visual complaints, visual acuity, pupillary reactions, and retinal findings. Results All patients aged 3–17 years who were healthy enough to participate in an ophthalmological examination were included. The number of children who remained on treatment and underwent ophthalmologic examinations was 136 after 48 weeks of treatment (90 boys and 46 girls). No patient had ischemic retinopathy at the screening eye examination before initiation of treatment. After 24 weeks of treatment, two (1.5%) patients developed anterior uveitis and another two (1.5%) patients developed retinal ischemia with cotton-wool spots. Conclusion Ophthalmologic complications are infrequent in children who are treated with pegylated IFN α2b for HCV (3%). Because of the potential severity of ischemic retinopathy and uveitis, prospective ocular assessment should remain a part of the monitoring strategy for children who are treated with IFN for HCV.

Keywords

• hepatitis C
• interferon α
• retinopathy
• ribavirin
• uveitis