Electrophysiological changes in hepatitis patients treated with interferon

Abstract

Hepatitis C is a significant public health problem in Egypt where the highest prevalence (14.7%) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) exists; it is the leading cause of HCC and chronic liver disease in the country. The main treatment for this intractable disease is interferon administration. Published guidelines recommend interferon-ribavirin combination therapy as a first-line treatment. Interferon is an anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, antiviral, and immunomodulatory cytokine. Ribavirin is an antiviral agent having immunoregulatory activity. The most commonly reported side effects of interferon include flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, myalgia, fatigue, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Central nervous system disturbances including depression, suicidal ideation, and confusion can occur. Ocular complications of interferon therapy have been widely observed.