Concomitant vitiligo and psoriasis in a patient treated with interferon alfa-2a for chronic hepatitis B infection

Pediatr Dermatol. 2004 Sep-Oct;21(5):577-9. doi: 10.1111/j.0736-8046.2004.21512.x.

Abstract

Well-known cutaneous side effects of interferon (IFN)-alfa therapy include dry skin, pruritus, hair loss, and psoriasis. Presumably because of its potent immunomodulatory activity, the use of IFN-alfa has also led to the development of autoimmune diseases in susceptible individuals. Vitiligo, an autoimmune cutaneous disease, has been reported to occur during IFN-alfa therapy. We report a 10-year-old girl with chronic hepatitis B infection in whom IFN-alfa treatment induced de novo development of vitiligo and psoriasis. Neither skin condition improved after withdrawal of interferon treatment. Concomitant occurrence of vitiligo and psoriasis due to IFN-alfa has not been reported previously.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / adverse effects*
  • Child
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / drug therapy*
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / adverse effects*
  • Leg
  • Psoriasis / chemically induced
  • Psoriasis / complications
  • Psoriasis / diagnosis*
  • Psoriasis / pathology
  • Recombinant Proteins
  • Vitiligo / chemically induced
  • Vitiligo / complications
  • Vitiligo / diagnosis*
  • Vitiligo / pathology

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins