Reversible Alopecia Universalis During Treatment with PEG-Interferon and Ribavirin for Chronic Hepatitis C

The document describes two female patients with chronic hepatitis C who developed reversible alopecia universalis while being treated with PEG-interferon and ribavirin. The hair loss occurred during the second half of their 48-week therapy. One patient, who also had low ferritin levels and thyroid dysfunction, stopped treatment at week 26 and regained hair after corticosteroid therapy but experienced a hepatitis C relapse. The other patient, who suffered from depression, completed the treatment and her hair regrew spontaneously, achieving a sustained virological response. The study suggests that interferon therapy may cause reversible alopecia universalis in some patients, and emphasizes the importance of completing treatment for those with a virological response to avoid hepatitis C relapse.