Side effects of interferon on endocrine and respiratory system in 545 cases of chronic hepatitis C

: We investigated the side effects of interferon (IFN) on the endocrine and respiratory system in 545 cases of chronic hepatitis C. Eleven of 494 (2.2%) patients with chronic hepatitis C who were treated with natural or recombinant interferon (IFN) developed thyroid disease while on treatment. Eight patients developed hyperthyroidism and 3 patients developed hypothyroidism. All 11 patients required definitive therapy, who became euthyroid after the therapy. Two patients received nIFN alpha and one patient received rIFN alpha 2b developed diabetes mellitus. Two patients received rIFN alpha 2a and rIFN alpha 2b, respectively, developed interstitial pneumonia 12 weeks and 24 weeks later, respectively. One patient showed positive reaction for RA test and LE factor and positive LE cell, and complained of fever, arthralgia and dry cough. These phenomenon disappeared after the cessation of IFN therapy.