Cardiac arrhythmias, including supraventricular tachycardia but also sudden death and ventricular arrhythmias, have been reported. There are single case reports of dilated cardiomyopathy. Hypotension has been reported in large trials. Renal Side Effects Proteinuria is relatively common, but is usually benign and not nephrotic. Interferon alpha is, however, reasonably tolerated in hemodialyzed patients.
Renal impairment occurs in kidney transplant patients.
Hepatic Side Effects Serum aminotransferases may increase during interferon alpha treatment. These are generally mild and resolve with continued treatment in responsive patients. Hepatic decompensation may occur in patients with cirrhosis, and these patients are more susceptible to infections. Autoimmune hepatitis should not be misdiagnosed as hepatitis C infection, as severe exacerbation of the disease with cholestasis and severe liver injury can occur. Patients with documented hepatitis C infection may deteriorate after interferon alpha treatment if an underlying autoimmune diasthesis is present.