[Interferon-associated retinopathy].

BACKGROUND

Recently interferons have been utilized for hepatitis C or some other tumorous conditions. However, a new interferon-associated retinopathy has been reported. There are to our knowledge, no publications in German-speaking countries.

PATIENTS

Four patients developed after interferon therapy cotton-wool spots combined with splinter hemorrhage.

RESULTS

The retinopathy occurred 5-30 days after the beginning of the therapy. In one case the retinopathy aggravated following dose elevation, whereas in two other cases the cotton-wool spots and hemorrhages disappeared irrespective of continued interferon therapy.

CONCLUSIONS

Interferons cannot be primarily responsible for the development of retinopathy.