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Renal manifestations associated with hepatitis C virus
R A Sinico1, A Fornasieri, G D'Amico
1Divisione di Nefrologia e Dialisi, Azienda Ospedaliera Ospedale San Carlo Borromeo, Milano, Italy.
Annales De Medecine Interne
|April 13, 2000
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection most commonly causes cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis, a condition characterized by specific kidney inflammation. Corticosteroids are more effective than antiviral therapy for managing this chronic kidney disease.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hepatology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to various chronic glomerulonephritis (GN) types.
- Cryoglobulinemic GN is the most prevalent form associated with HCV.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detail the characteristics of HCV-associated cryoglobulinemic GN.
- To explore the association between HCV and other forms of GN.
Main Methods:
- Histological examination of kidney biopsies.
- Clinical data analysis of patients with GN and HCV infection.
- Detection of HCV antibodies and RNA.
Main Results:
- Cryoglobulinemic GN, typically type II, is frequently associated with HCV.
- Distinctive features include monocyte infiltration, cryoglobulin thrombi, and vasculitis.
- Membranoproliferative GN shows a controversial association with HCV.
- HCV presence in other GN types is infrequent, suggesting coincidence.
Conclusions:
- HCV-related cryoglobulinemic GN is a distinct entity with specific histological findings.
- Corticosteroids are the primary treatment for acute episodes.
- The role of HCV in other GN types remains uncertain.