Shoaib Ansari, Hanif Ghani, Sameen Afzal Junejo.
Frequency of retinopathy in hundred cases of chronic hepatitis C on interferon therapy at Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad.
Med Channel Jan ;16(2):240-3.

OBJECTIVE: Chronic Hepatitis C is common problem world wide treated by combination of interferon alpha and ribavirin. Retinopathy is one of the side effects of interferon therapy. The aim of this study is to determine the frequency of retinopathy in patients treated by interferon alpha and ribavirin at Liaquat University Hospital Hyderabad. STUDY DESIGN: Observational descriptive study. PLACE AND DURATION: This study was conducted in the department of Medicine Liaquat University Hospital from July 2007 to June 2009. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All chronic hepatitis C patients with positive HCV RNA by Polymerase Chain Reaction were included. Past medical history of hypertension and diabetes were taken. Full ocular examination was performed before start of treatment and at 3 months and 6 months interval. RESULTS: Total 100 patients were enrolled amongst which 23 developed retinopathy. 12/82 (14.63%) with no co-morbid illness; 7/12(58.3%) in patients with hepatitis C diabetes; 2/3(66.6%) in patients with hepatitis C and hypertension and 2/3(66.6%) in patients with hepatitis C and both diabetes and hypertension. CONCLUSION: Retinopathy may occur in patients with chronic hepatitis C receiving interferon alpha and ribavirin, commonly in patients with diabetes and hypertension.

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