Severe exacerbation of asthma:: A new side effect of interferon-α in patients with asthma and chronic hepatitis C

Interferon-alpha is used by physicians to treat numerous common medical disorders; however, therapy is often limited by side effects, Pulmonary complications, such as interstitial pneumonitis and bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia, have been described in patients receiving interferon-alpha therapy. Exacerbation of asthma induced by subcutaneous administration of interferon-alpha has not been previously reported, We describe two patients with mild asthma in whom treatment with interferon-alpha for chronic hepatitis C resulted in exacerbation of the underlying asthma, The severe asthmatic symptoms resolved promptly after use of interferon-alpha was discontinued and corticosteroid therapy was initiated, Repeated treatment with interferon-alpha several months later resulted in a rapid, more severe exacerbation of asthma in both patients. Patients undergoing therapy with interferon-alpha, especially those with chronic asthma, should be monitored closely for pulmonary symptoms, If these symptoms develop, patients should be instructed to discontinue use of interferon-alpha and seek medical attention immediately.