These data suggest the possible relationship between changes in the HCV-NS5B gene and the effect of IFN therapy in CHC patients with genotype 1b.

HCV NS5B genotype-specific mutations in HCV genotype 1b may influence HCV replication.

A 38-year-old Japanese woman with no past history of liver disease developed liver dysfunction associated with fever, anorexia, and general malaise following the prolonged administration of saridon. A liver biopsy demonstrated multiple noncaseating epithelioid granulomas within hepatic lobules, with an inflammatory cell infiltrate of the lobular parenchyma and portal tracts. Viral markers and autoantibodies were negative. Lymphocyte stimulation tests for saridon and for isopropylantipyrine, one of the constituents of saridon, were positive, and therefore a diagnosis of drug-induced hepatitis due to administration of saridon was made. Her symptoms resolved and liver function test results returned to normal following discontinuation of the drug. The possibility of drug-induced hepatitis must be considered when liver dysfunction or systemic symptomatology develops during saridon therapy.

No abstract