Autoimmune hepatitis, 2 years after successful peg-interferon-alpha 2b plus ribavirin treatment in a patient with chronic hepatitis C

K.G. Petropoulou; S.P. Dourakis; J. Delladetsima; A.J. Archimandritis

Authors K.G. Petropoulou, S.P. Dourakis, J. Delladetsima, A.J. Archimandritis.

Abstract

A 76-year old female patient with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection successfully treated with pegylated interferon-alpha 2b plus ribavirin four years ago who developed autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is described. The patient presented with jaundice and worsening of liver function tests during the last two years. HCV-RNA was negative. Diagnosis was assessed according to the international AIH scoring system, including liver biopsy and confirmed by positive response to steroid challenge. We hypothesize that pegylated interferon triggered an immune-mediated hepatitis. We suggest long term follow up of the patients with sustained virological response after treatment for chronic HCV infection.