Toxicity profile of interferon alfa-2b in children: A prospective evaluation

The toxicity of interferon (IFN) alfa-2b therapy was prospectively evaluate d in 53 children treated from 1991 to 1996 in 2 successive studies of IFN a lfa therapy for severe hemangiomas at Sainte-Justine Hospital. Toxicity was generally mild and transient, with grade 1 toxicity occurring in 100% of p atients, grade 2 toxicity in 89%, grade 3 toxicity in 58%, and grade 4 toxi city in 17%. Ten of 43 patients available for evaluation had an abnormal ne urologic examination. Severe neurotoxicity in the form of spastic diplegia occurred in one patient. In conclusion, IFN alfa therapy is generally well tolerated in children. However, it may rarely be associated with severe tox ic;ty and must be used with caution.