Hearing Loss as a Complication of Peginterferon Alfa 2a Combination Therapy in a Patient with Hepatitis C Virus Infection

authors:

avatar Mohssen Nassiri Toosi 1 , * , avatar Mohammad Sadeghi Hassanabadi 2

Department of Internal Medicine & Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, mohssen_nasiri@yahoo.com, Tehran, IR.Iran
Department of Otolyrngology Imam Khomeini Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, IR.Iran
Hepatitis Monthly: Vol.4, issue 7; 79-82
article type: Case Report

how to cite: Toosi M, Hassanabadi M. Hearing Loss as a Complication of Peginterferon Alfa 2a Combination Therapy in a Patient with Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Hepat Mon. 2004;4(7): 79-82. 

Abstract

Hearing loss has been reported on interferons therapy. Combination therapy of pegylated (PEG)-IFN alfa2a plus ribavirin is the current optimal therapy for hepatitis C infection. PEG-INF side effect profile is reported similar in different studies, but with the increasing long-term use of PEG-INF several new adverse effects have been recognized. However, hearing loss has only been recorded once. We report a case of sensorineural hearing loss occurring in a patient with chronic hepatitis C treated with PEG-IFN plus ribavirin and recovered partially one month after the discontinuation of PEG-INF. The ototoxicity would be more serious with the use of PEG-INF. Patients on therapy with this drug should be monitored for auditory disability. The ototoxicity is reversible with discontinuation of drug if the diagnosis is made early in the course.

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