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Cutaneous disorders associated with hepatitis C virus infection
N Cordel1, O Chosidow, C Francès
1Service de Médecine Interne, CHU Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris.
Annales De Medecine Interne
|April 13, 2000
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to skin conditions like cryoglobulinemia and porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT). Testing for HCV is recommended for these conditions and pruritus, with broader testing for other dermatoses only if risk factors are present.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Dermatology
- Virology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, discovered in 1989, is associated with numerous cutaneous disorders.
- Established links exist between HCV and cryoglobulinemia or porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT).
- The association between HCV and other dermatoses remains under investigation and is often controversial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review dermatologic disorders associated with HCV infection.
- To clarify the diagnostic approach for skin conditions in the context of HCV.
- To provide guidance on when to test for HCV in patients with dermatologic manifestations.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of literature on HCV and dermatologic disorders.
- Analysis of established and controversial associations.
- Evaluation of diagnostic criteria and recommendations for HCV testing.
Main Results:
- A clear association is established for cryoglobulinemia, PCT, and pruritus with HCV infection.
- HCV markers should be systematically investigated in patients presenting with cryoglobulinemia, PCT, or pruritus.
- For other dermatoses, HCV serology is indicated only when risk factors for HCV infection or abnormal liver function tests are present.
Conclusions:
- HCV testing is crucial for specific dermatologic conditions.
- The diagnostic workup for dermatoses should consider potential HCV links.
- Targeted HCV screening improves patient management and diagnosis.