Alopecia universalis as a side effect of pegylated interferon α-ribavirin combination therapy for hepatitis C: a rare case report

Abstract

Pegylated interferon α and ribavirin therapy is associated with increased incidence of various systemic and cutaneous side effects. Among the side effects of this therapy, alopecia universalis is a rarely reported side effect which causes significant cosmetic concern to the patient. We report a rare case of alopecia universalis which developed eight weeks after discontinuation of this antiviral combination therapy. This gains importance because it is essential to sensitize the treating gastroenterologist and the dermatologist regarding this rare side effect.

Keywords:

• Alopecia universalis
• Interferon
• Ribavirin

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