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Review
. 2013 Jun;27(6):771-8.
doi: 10.1111/j.1468-3083.2012.04582.x. Epub 2012 Jun 1.

Induction and exacerbation of psoriasis with Interferon-alpha therapy for hepatitis C: a review and analysis of 36 cases

M Afshar  1 , A D Martinez, R L Gallo, T R Hata
Affiliations
Review

Induction and exacerbation of psoriasis with Interferon-alpha therapy for hepatitis C: a review and analysis of 36 cases

M Afshar et al. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol. 2013 Jun.

Abstract

Background: Interferon-alpha (IFN-α) therapy is used to treat hepatitis C infection. The exacerbation and occurrence of psoriasis in hepatitis C patients treated with IFN-α is increasingly recognized, but the distinct associated features, aetiology and management have not been reviewed.

Objective: To review all published cases of hepatitis C patients who developed psoriasis while receiving IFN-α therapy.

Methods: The review was conducted by searching the PubMed database using the keywords 'hepatitis C' AND 'psoriasis.' In addition, references to additional publications not indexed for PubMed were followed to obtain a complete record of published data.

Results: We identified 32 publications describing 36 subjects who developed a psoriatic eruption while receiving IFN-α therapy for hepatitis C. Topical therapies were a commonly employed treatment modality, but led to resolution in only 30% of cases in which they were employed solely. Cessation of IFN-α therapy led to resolution in 93% of cases. Hundred per cent of those who developed psoriasis while on IFN-α therapy responded to systemic therapy and were able to continue the drug.

Conclusion: Further studies and analysis of IFN-α-induced lesions are necessary to clarify the role of IFN-α and the hepatitis C virus in the development of psoriatic lesions.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
New-onset plaque psoriasis on the (a) lower abdomen at pegIFN-α injection sites and (b) knees of a 57-year-old male with a one-year history of hepatitis C (HCV RNA 0 at presentation). Lesions appeared 4 weeks into pegIFN-α treatment.
Figure 1
Figure 1
New-onset plaque psoriasis on the (a) lower abdomen at pegIFN-α injection sites and (b) knees of a 57-year-old male with a one-year history of hepatitis C (HCV RNA 0 at presentation). Lesions appeared 4 weeks into pegIFN-α treatment.
Figure 2
Figure 2
A model for the role of exogenous IFN-α treatment in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Adapted from [95].
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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