An unusual axonal polyneuropathy induced by low-dose interferon alfa-2a.

OBJECTIVES

To describe a patient who developed an unusual polyneuropathy after treatment with interferon alfa-2a for hepatitis C and to discuss issues related to diagnosis and pathogenesis.

DESIGN

Case report.

SETTING

Tertiary care center.

CASE: A 46-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C had acute onset of an axonal polyneuropathy with prominent small-fiber involvement shortly after completing a standard 6-month course of therapy with low-dose interferon alfa-2a.

MAIN OUTCOME AND

RESULTS

Further interferon treatment for hepatitis C was discontinued.

CONCLUSION

Standard, low-dose interferon alfa-2a treatment can produce a persistent predominantly small-fiber polyneuropathy.