Interferon beta 1a-induced severe autoimmune hepatitis in patients with multiple sclerosis: report of two cases and review of the literature

Ann Hepatol. 2015 Mar-Apr;14(2):273-80.

Abstract

Type I interferons are potent cytokines that possess antiviral, immunomodulating and antiproliferative actions. The development of autoimmune hepatitis is a well recognized complication of treatment with alpha IFN in patients with chronic viral hepatitis. Yet, the occurrence in patients under treatment with beta IFN for other indications is controversial and its occurrence often underestimated. We report two cases of severe acute autoimmune hepatitis in two patients undergoing therapy with IFN beta 1a for multiple sclerosis who recovered under early immunosuppressive therapy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Biopsy
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / diagnosis
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / drug therapy
  • Chemical and Drug Induced Liver Injury / etiology*
  • Female
  • Hepatitis, Autoimmune / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis, Autoimmune / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis, Autoimmune / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / adverse effects*
  • Immunosuppressive Agents / therapeutic use
  • Interferon beta-1a
  • Interferon-beta / adverse effects*
  • Liver Function Tests
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / diagnosis
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / drug therapy*
  • Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting / immunology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Immunologic Factors
  • Immunosuppressive Agents
  • Interferon-beta
  • Interferon beta-1a