Open AccessCHRONIC HEPATITIS C VIRUS;
Author(s) -
Sadaf Ahmed Asim,
Abdullah Khalid,
Saba Nafay,
Qamar Un Nisa
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the professional medical journal/the professional medical journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2071-7733
pISSN - 1024-8919
DOI - 10.29309/tpmj/2014.21.05.2498
Subject(s) - medicine , dermatology , ribavirin , glossitis , hepatitis c virus , vitiligo , hyperpigmentation , hepatitis , interferon , gastroenterology , virus , pathology , immunology , tongue
Objective: To determine the frequency and pattern of dermatological manifestationsin patients receiving interferon and ribavarin for hepatitis C. Patients & Methods: The studywas conducted in the Dermatology out patients department (OPD) of Dow University HospitalKarachi from April –November 2013.Patients diagnosed with hepatitis C who received interferona(3 MIU subcutaneously thrice weekly) plus ribavirin (1200 mg daily for 24 weeks).Detailedhistory and dermatological examination including mucous membrane,hair and nails wasperformed initially and then monthly for six months and findings were recorded. Results: Atotal of 109 patients were included in the study.Frequency of various skin diseases in thesepatients werepruritis 44(40.36%), transient alopecia 14(12.84%),generalized morbiliform rashin 22 (20.18%),photosensitivity in 8(7.33%), secondary hyperpigmentation in 17(15.59%)patients.Lichen Planus was observed in 6 (5.50%) patients while brittle nails were seen in 5(4.58%), glossitis in 4(3.66%),chelitis in 8(7.33%)and generalized exfoliating dermatitis in9(8.25%) patients.Apthous ulceration was observed in 7 (6.42%) patients. Conclusions: HCVand its treatment with interferon plus ribavirin is associated with significant dermatologicalcomplications. Physicians should be aware of these side effects and patients should becounseled before starting treatment.