Neuropsychiatric side-effects of interferon-alpha treatment: pathophysiology and therapeutic options.

摘要: Interferon alpha (IFN-α) is the approved standard of care for chronic hepatitis C and B. Unfortunately, it has neuropsychiatric side-effects that have a major impact upon quality life drug adherence. The mechanism IFN-α-induced behavioral changes complex, involving interactions between immune system, endocrine monoaminergic systems opioid receptors. Recent studies support neurodegeneration hypothesis as possible depressive behavior. Although meta-analysis showed antidepressant pretreatment effectively reduces incidence severity symptoms, irrespective pre-existing psychiatric disorders, not prophylactic use. "on demand" treatment strategy justified majority patients only mild symptoms. Patients with risk factors depression undergoing IFN-α therapy need to be regularly screened followed-up by specialist. Further should conducted show which most appropriate reduce symptoms are related use investigate clinical significance neurodegeneration.