Flulike syndrome associated with interferon alfa therapy: A retrospective study in patients with chronic viral hepatitis C

A flulike syndrome, characterized by fever, weakness, chills, headache, and myalgias, often occurs with the initial administration of interferon. Tole rance to these symptoms develops rapidly, and paracetamol may attenuate the ir severity. We retrospectively examined 38 patients with chronic viral hep atitis C (HCV) treated with 3 MU of natural interferon (IFN) alfa three tim es per week to evaluate the incidence of this syndrome. All patients underw ent clinical and laboratory evaluations as well as liver biopsy. HCV infect ion was assumed by the presence of HCV antibodies and confirmed by results of a specific recombinant immunoblot assay. HCV-RNA was detected by polymer ase chain reaction and genotyping. All histologic findings were evaluated b y means of the Knodell and Scheuer scores. Flulike symptoms were present in a maximum of 60% of the patients after 15 days of IFN therapy. It was not necessary to suspend treatment in any patient.