Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) associated with interferon therapy of hepatitis C

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura/hemolytic uremic syndrome (TTP/HUS) is a rare but known complication of chronic viral hepatitis C (HCV). Even less frequently treatment of HCV with interferon-alpha (INFα) may become complicated with TTP/HUS, although only a few such reports have been published. We report a 43-year-old woman who developed TTP on two separate occasions soon after beginning treatment with IFN-alpha and ribavarin for HCV.