SEIZURES DURING ALPHA-INTERFERON THERAPY

Background/Aims: Alpha interferon is now used widely in the therapy of chronic viral hepatitis. The common side effects of interferon are we ll known; the uncommon side effects are less well defined. We have eva luated the incidence and characteristics of seizures that occurred dur ing alpha interferon therapy. Methods: A retrospective chart review wa s done on 311 patients with chronic hepatitis treated with alpha inter feron between 1983 and 1994 at the National Institutes of Health. Resu lts: Four of 311 patients (1.3%) developed grand mal seizures while on therapy with alpha interferon. Three patients had chronic hepatitis B (two had an accompanying glomerulonephritis) and one chronic delta he patitis. Interferon had been given in doses of 5-10 million units each day or three times weekly for 2-14 months before the onset of seizure s. No other obvious cause for seizures was identified. Seizures resolv ed once interferon was stopped, and did not recur even without chronic anticonvulsant therapy. Conclusions: Alpha interferon in the doses us ed to treat chronic viral hepatitis caused seizures in approximately 1 % of patients.