FOCAL SEGMENTAL GLOMERULOSCLEROSIS WITH ACUTE-RENAL-FAILURE ASSOCIATED WITH ALPHA-INTERFERON THERAPY

Both alpha- and beta- interferons (IFNs) have been increasingly used f ar the treatment of many types of malignancy, and recently the use of alpha-IFN in the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV)( infection with or without renal involvement has been emphasized, We report a patient who developed nephrotic syndrome and acute renal failure while being treated with alpha-IFN for HCV infection, The renal biopsy showed foca l segmental glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial nephritis, Altho ugh several renal lesions have been described in association with eith er alpha-IFN treatment or HCV infection, focal segmental glomeruloscle rosis has not been emphasized in either instance, This case also indic ates that when renal abnormalities occur during treatment of HCV infec tion with alpha-)FN, kidney biopsy may define the responsible renal le sions, suggest possible association with other conditions, and serve a s a guideline for proper management. (C) 1996 by the National Kidney F oundation, Inc.