Pegylated interferon/ribavirin-associated sudden hearing loss in a patient with chronic hepatitis C in Brazil

Brazilian Journal of Infectious Diseases

Oiticica, Jeanne¹  Bittar, Roseli Saraiva Moreira¹  Mendes-Corrêa, Maria Cassia Jacintho²  Salmito, Norma² 

[1] USP, São Paulo, Brazil;Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil

关键词: hepatitis C;    chronic;    hearing loss;    sudden;    interferon-alpha.;   

DOI  :  10.1590/S1413-86702011000100017

来源: Contexto

【 摘 要 】

Sudden hearing loss is defined as a sensorineural hearing loss, equal to or greater than 30 dB, at three or more consecutive frequencies, which takes place within 72 hours. Both peginterferon and ribavirin are well-known to be associated with significant adverse effects, but sudden hearing loss is uncommon. We report a 65-year-old male patient who developed sudden-onset hearing loss during combination therapy with pegylated interferon-alpha and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C. Peginterferon and ribavirin may cause sudden hearing loss that may not recover after discontinuation of therapy. Immediate treatment for all possible etiologies is essential, along with targeted investigations and early referral for an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist. Physicians should be aware of the possible ototoxic effects of peginterferon and ribavirin combination therapy requiring appropriate surveillance.

【 授权许可】

CC BY-NC-ND