The main objective of this clinical case presentation is to attract attention to the risk of therapy with interferon and ribavarin. Materials & Method: I present the clinical case of a woman patient 44 years old, who came to consult for asthenia, after following a diet for weight loss. The objective examination was within normal limits except the presence of a hepatomegaly at 1, 5 cm under the last rib, with regular border, increase consistence, regular surface, without pain at the time of palpation. The laboratory examination showed: ALT=48 UI/l, ALP=56 UI/l, total bilirubin=1,8mg/dL, indirect bilirubin=1,5 mg/dL, direct(conjugated) bilirubin=0,3 mg/dL, Gamma GT=58 UI/L, FA=36 UI/L, serum protein=7.2 g/100 ml, serum protein electrophoresis albumin=28% α1=4% α2=6% β=10% γ=21%, serum immunoglobulin levels: IgG=720 mg/100 ml, IgM =96 g/100 ml, IgA=90 mg/100 ml, TS=1,2s, TC=1,4s. After I performed a test for viral markers it appeared Anti-HCV positive, Hepatitis B virus (HBV) negative, an Anti-mitochondrial antibodies negative, viremia=5 000 000 IU/ml. At this moment I established the diagnosis; active chronic virally C hepatitis positive. Abdominal eco confirmed hepatomegaly with increased echogenity and normal portal vein=11mm. 

It is possible that therapy with interferon and ribavarin can have cancer risks, which we don?t know actually at present. It is also possible for changes to appear in the autoimmune system of the body modifying the reaction of the body to different drugs, such as Penicillin G in the situation presented. Conclusions: Women patients after standard protocol with Interferon and Ribavarin must to be screened followed by mammography for early discovery of breast cancer and also other cases reported, which probably will be contraindicated in the future, this routine therapy used in the present for treatment of the patients who are virus C and B positive. Also we must be careful of the reaction of the drugs after this therapy because it is possible for the patient to develop very severe allergic reactions which put their lives in danger. I think at this moment we don?t know all the dangerous side effects of this therapy with interferon and ribavarin and in the future there are possible changes with other drugs. The risks of side effects compared with benefits must be seriously taken into account.

With Regards,
Sara Giselle
Associate Managing Editor
Global Journal of Digestive Diseases