Severe exacerbation of asthma: A new side effect of interferon-alpha in patients with asthma and chronic hepatitis C

Interferon-alpha is used by physicians to treat numerous common medical dis orders; however, therapy is often limited by side effects, Pulmonary compli cations, such as interstitial pneumonitis and bronchiolitis obliterans orga nizing pneumonia, have been described in patients receiving interferon-alph a therapy. Exacerbation of asthma induced by subcutaneous administration of interferon-alpha has not been previously reported, We describe two patient s with mild asthma in whom treatment with interferon-alpha for chronic hepa titis C resulted in exacerbation of the underlying asthma, The severe asthm atic symptoms resolved promptly after use of interferon-alpha was discontin ued and corticosteroid therapy was initiated, Repeated treatment with inter feron-alpha several months later resulted in a rapid, more severe exacerbat ion of asthma in both patients. Patients undergoing therapy with interferon -alpha, especially those with chronic asthma, should be monitored closely f or pulmonary symptoms, If these symptoms develop, patients should be instru cted to discontinue use of interferon-alpha and seek medical attention imme diately.