Pattern of neurobehavioral deficits associated with interferon alfa therapy for leukemia.

Pavol, M A; Meyers, C A; Rexer, J L; Valentine, A D; Mattis, P J; Talpaz, M · Neurology · 1995

case_control · Level III

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Abstract

We evaluated the neuropsychological and personality profiles of 25 patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia treated with interferon alfa (IFN-alpha). This group of persons performed well below expectation on tests of cognitive speed, verbal memory, and executive functions. Personality changes included depression, increased somatic concern, and stress reactions. A control group of leukemia patients not treated with IFN-alpha had significantly better cognitive speed and mood. The pattern of cognitive and personality changes in patients receiving IFN-alpha is highly suggestive of frontal-subcortical brain dysfunction.

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