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Mixed cryoglobulinaemia and chronic hepatitis C virus infection: the rheumatic manifestations

N Leone1, R Pellicano, I Ariata Maiocco

  • 1Department of Gastroenterology, Molinette Hospital, Turin, Italy. leone.nic@tiscolinet.it

Journal of Medical Virology
|January 10, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Rheumatologic symptoms are common in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and cryoglobulinemia. These symptoms significantly impact quality of life, suggesting HCV should be considered in diagnosing unexplained rheumatologic conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology
  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to cryoglobulinemia.
  • Mixed cryoglobulinemia can manifest with various rheumatologic symptoms.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of rheumatologic symptoms in patients with HCV-associated cryoglobulinemia.
  • To assess the characteristics of cryoglobulins and associated rheumatologic manifestations.

Main Methods:

  • 114 patients with chronic HCV and cryoglobulinemia were analyzed.
  • Cryoglobulin type, concentration, rheumatoid factor (RF), and antinuclear antibody (ANA) were measured.
  • Rheumatologic symptoms were assessed via anamnesis and clinical evaluation.

Main Results:

  • 44.7% of patients reported rheumatologic symptoms, with a higher mean cryocrit value (2.6%) compared to asymptomatic patients (<0.5%).
  • HCV genotype 1b was most prevalent (76%).
  • RF was present in 31.5% and ANA in 3.5% of patients at low titers.

Conclusions:

  • HCV infection is associated with a significant frequency of diverse rheumatologic manifestations.
  • These symptoms negatively affect patients' quality of life.
  • HCV should be considered in the differential diagnosis of unexplained rheumatologic symptoms.

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