THROMBOTIC THROMBOCYTOPENIC PURPURA DEVELOPED SUDDENLY DURING INTERFERON TREATMENT FOR CHRONIC HEPATITIS-C

A 57-year-old man had abnormal hepatic function identified in April 19 94. In October 1994, chronic hepatitis C was diagnosed. Based on the f indings of a liver biopsy, administration of recombinant interferon (r LFN)alpha 2b was begun. In the 16th week of treatment, the patient exp erienced headache and fever and developed a markedly decreased, platel et count and hemolytic anemia. He was admitted on May 19, 1995 and thr ombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) was diagnosed. He died on the 3 rd hospital day. The causes of TTP have yet to be elucidated, but in t his patient the occurrence of TTP appeared to be related to the IFN tr eatment for chronic hepatitis C.