Exacerbation of sarcoidosis following interferon-alpha therapy for chronic active hepatitis C

Abstract

Interferon alpha is an immunomodulator that is used as an antiviral agent to treat chronic active viral hepatitis C. However, interferon can induce or exacerbate sarcoidosis. We report a case of 42-year-old man with an exacerbation of pulmonary sarcoidosis after the cessation of interferon and ribavirin therapy for chronic hepatitis C. The patient's sarcoidosis improved spontaneously and he continues to be monitored regularly without steroid therapy.