Predictive Factors for Adverse Dermatological Events During Pegylated/Interferon Alpha and Ribavirin Treatment for Hepatitis C

The study investigated dermatological adverse events (AEs) in 152 chronic hepatitis C patients treated with interferon-alpha/ribavirin from 2008 to 2012. Dermatological AEs were observed in 28 (18.4%) patients, including eczematous reactions, xerosis, psoriasis, lichenoid eruption, folliculitis, lichen planus, alopecia areata, hypermelanosis, and necrosis. Factors associated with these AEs included age over 60, pre-existing skin conditions, cirrhosis, and pegylated interferon use. Most AEs were mild to moderate, with only one case leading to treatment discontinuation. The study highlighted the importance of monitoring dermatological health in patients undergoing this treatment.