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BMC Gastroenterology
Published in: BMC Gastroenterology 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Research article

Hepatitis C-related cryoglobulinemic neuropathy: potential role of oxcarbazepine for pain control

Authors: Rita Moretti, Paola Caruso, Matteo Dal Ben, Silvia Gazzin, Claudio Tiribelli

Published in: BMC Gastroenterology | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Peripheral neuropathy is one most common, limiting and invalidating neurological symptom in subjects with hepatitis C virus and mixed cryoglobulinemia. Notably, the medical therapy proposed to eradicate HCV, can frequently exacerbate the painful neuropathy. Therefore, neuropathy therapies are insufficient and inadequate, and comprise immunosuppressive drugs, such as steroid or cyclosporine, intravenous immunoglobulin or plasma exchange. These have shown variable success in case reports, with a presumably temporary effect, but with major side effects.

Methods

We assessed the effects of oxcarbazepine treatment in 67 cases of cryoglobulinemia related neuropathy, who did not respond to either steroid or Gabapentin, or Pregabalin. Oxcarbazepine was chosen based on the promising preliminary results.

Results

Patients treated with Oxcarbazepine showed a rapid, discrete and persistent relief of polyneuropathic signs, without consistent side effects, and with a limited interaction with concomitant drugs.

Conclusions

These data favor the use of oxcarbazepine as a useful tool in the management of neuropathic pain associated with Hepatitis–C cryoglobulin neuropathy.
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Metadata
Title
Hepatitis C-related cryoglobulinemic neuropathy: potential role of oxcarbazepine for pain control
Authors
Rita Moretti
Paola Caruso
Matteo Dal Ben
Silvia Gazzin
Claudio Tiribelli
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Gastroenterology / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1471-230X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12876-018-0751-9

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