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  • Title: Severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia in a patient with chronic hepatitis C during treatment with peginterferon alfa-2a and ribavirin.
    Author: Cauli C, Serra G, Chessa L, Balestrieri C, Scioscia R, Lai ME, Farci P.
    Journal: Haematologica; 2006 Jun; 91(6 Suppl):ECR26. PubMed ID: 16785129.
    Abstract:
    Peginterferon (Peg-IFN) alfa in combination with ribavirin represents the gold standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C, but is associated with various side effects, especially hematological abnormalities. We report here a case of severe autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) complicated by symptomatic myocardial ischemia in a patient with chronic hepatitis C during combination therapy. The worsening hemolysis after ribavirin withdrawal and exclusion of other causes implicated Peg-IFN alfa as the cause of AIHA. Our study demonstrates that in patients without preexisting immunological abnormalities Peg-IFN can de novo induce autoimmune complications that, albeit rarely, may be life-threatening.
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