Area Editoriale
To the Editor: Interferon and ribavirin in combination are the standard treatment for chronic hepatitis C. Hematologic abnormalities, including thrombocytopenia and anemia, are major side effects. Ribavirin is closely associated with hemolytic anemia. We report a case of severe anemia due to acute pure red-cell aplasia during combination therapy, which rapidly improved after the discontinuation of ribavirin.
A 61-year-old man was admitted for treatment of chronic hepatitis C. He had received a blood transfusion after hemorrhoidectomy at the age of 30 years. Abnormal results on liver-function tests and antibody to hepatitis C virus (HCV) had been detected at . . . .....