ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) is an important treatment modality for the hepatitis C virus (HCV). However, treatment with IFN-α is often associated with cognitive difficulties in HCV patients. Thus, this systematic review was performed to assess the effects of IFN-α on cognitive functioning in patients suffering from HCV. METHODS: Relevant literature was identified by performing a comprehensive literature search in major databases including PubMed, clinicaltrials.gov, and Cochrane Central using a combination of suitable keywords. We retrieved studies that were published from the start of each database until August 2021. RESULTS: Out of 210 articles, 73 studies were selected after removing the duplicates. In the first pass, 60 articles were excluded. Out of 13 full-text articles, only 5 articles qualified for qualitative analyses in the second pass. We observed conflicting results concerned with the use of IFN-α and the risk of neurocognitive impairment in HCV patients. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we have observed conflicting results regarding the impact of INF-α treatment on the cognitive functioning of patients suffering from HCV. Thus, there is an urgent need for an extensive study to evaluate the exact association between INF-αtherapy and cognitive functioning in HCV patients.
Subject(s)
Cognitive Dysfunction , Hepatitis C , Humans , Hepacivirus , Interferon-alpha/adverse effects , Hepatitis C/complications , Hepatitis C/drug therapy , Cognitive Dysfunction/chemically induced , Cognitive Dysfunction/diagnosis , Databases, FactualABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of retinopathy in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with Pegylated interferon alpha 2a and Ribavirin. METHODS: This descriptive case series study was conducted in Medical Unit II of the Jinnah Hospital Lahore from September 2012 to February 2013. One hundred chronic hepatitis C patients visiting Medical Unit II outpatient department fulfilling inclusion criteria were selected for this study via non probability purposive sampling. Patients were started on pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination therapy. Subjects were subjected to dilated eye fundoscopic examination at the start of therapy and then after three months of the therapy. RESULTS: One hundred patients were included in this study. Out of these 100 patients 5% developed retinopathy whereas fundus examination was normal in rest of the patients. CONCLUSION: Interferon therapy can lead to retinopathy. Periodic fundoscopic examinations help in early detection and prevent progression to permanent visual loss.