Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection as a risk factor for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage: hospital based

H Karibe1, H Niizuma, H Ohyama

  • 1Department of Neurosurgery, Tohoku University School of Medicine, Japan. karibe@pc.highway.ne.jp

Insights

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is a significant risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Patients with HCV showed higher rates of ICH, suggesting a link between viral infection and brain bleeds.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is a global health concern.
  • Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe neurological condition.
  • The association between HCV infection and ICH risk remains under investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection as a potential risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).
  • To compare the prevalence of HCV infection in ICH patients versus control groups.

Main Methods:

  • Case-control study involving 462 patients with ICH and 462 controls with cerebral infarction.
  • HCV antibody screening was performed on all participants.
  • Laboratory tests included hemostatic parameters and cholesterol levels in ICH patients.

Main Results:

  • HCV infection was significantly more prevalent in ICH patients (8.7%) compared to controls (3.5%) (P<0.01).
  • ICH patients with HCV infection exhibited elevated L-alanine:2-oxoglutarate aminotransferase, lower cholesterol, decreased platelet count, and prolonged prothrombin time.
  • These laboratory values, while mostly within normal ranges, indicated subclinical abnormalities.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection is identified as a significant risk factor for spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).
  • Potential mechanisms include subclinical clotting disorders and/or vessel wall friability linked to hypocholesterolemia in HCV-infected individuals.

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