Peginterferon-α

Abstract

A man [age at reaction onset not clearly stated] developed atrophic papulosis during treatment with peginterferon-α.The man, who had a history of hepatitis type C and ulcerative colitis, presented at the age of 38 years with a 1-year history of slightly painful red papules at the site of peginterferon-α injections. The papules appeared a few weeks after starting therapy with peginterferon-α [dosage not stated] and ribavirin. Cutaneous examination showed more than fifty 3-5mm lesions located on the limbs and trunk. Most of the lesions comprised papules with a slightly depressed, porcelain-white atrophic centre, with a slightly raised reddish rim. Almost all of the lesions were found in the cutaneous injection sites of peginterferon-α. A biopsy specimen revealed an area of degenerated collagen with the apex extending into the dermis. Thrombotic and lymphocytic vasculitis was also detected. A diagnosis of atrophic papulosis was established.The man's peginterferon-α was discontinued and there was no relapse during a 3-year follow-up.Author comment: "[T]he precise locations of the cutaneous lesions at injection sites are in favour of a direct role of this agent".