Citation

Moulignier A, Allo S, Singer B, Monge-Strauss MF, Zittoun R, Gout O. Rev. Neurol. (Masson) 2002; 158(5 Pt 1): 567-572.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2002, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

12072824

Abstract

Interferon (IFN)-alpha is associated with central nervous system (CNS) side effects such as depression and suicide ideation, somnolence, confusion, drowsiness, psychomotor slowing, memory impairment and visual disorientation. More severe complications are uncommon and include frank paranoia, dementia, coma, seizures and neuropathy. With the increasing long-term and extensive use of interferon (IFN)-alpha several new neurologic adverse effects have been recognized. We report on two patients who developed severe subcortico-frontal impairment, associated in one case with choreic movements, after a long-term treatment with IFN-alpha 2b for hematologic malignancies. Our patients rapidly and completely recovered from their cognitive and motor symptoms after the discontinuation of the drug. The same neurologic symptoms reappeared when we attempted to reintroduce lower doses of IFN-alpha in one case. Although little is known regarding IFN-alpha actions in the CNS, several possible mechanisms may underlie its neurotoxicity and might result from complex direct and indirect effects involving brain vasculature, neuroendocrine system, neurotoxic secondary cytokines'release and neurotransmitters.

Language: fr

Keywords

Aged; Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols; Ataxia; Central Nervous System Diseases; Chorea; Cognition Disorders; Combined Modality Therapy; Confusion; Female; Frontal Lobe; Humans; Immunologic Factors; Interferon alpha-2; Interferon-alpha; Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive; Memory Disorders; Multiple Myeloma; Neuropsychological Tests; Pyramidal Tracts; Recombinant Proteins