Haematologial manifestations in HCV infected patients at Sharkia Governerate, Egypt

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of morbidity worldwide. The aim of this study is to evaluate hematological manifestations occurring in patients suffering from chronic HCV infection. Positive HCV-RNA cases (109) were subjected to the following C.B.C., P.T., P.T.T., B.T., C.T., detection of F.D.Ps., measurement of plasma AAT then B.M. aspiration and examination for 20 cases of them. Patients were classified into 3 groups according to the histopathological staging and grading of liver biopsy. Comparison between groups according to histopathological grading and staging for hematological and chemical parameters revealed significant statistical difference in platelets count, S. Albumin, ALT and AST levels. Comparison between groups according to histopathological grading and staging for coagulation profile, AAT level and FDPs revealed significant statistical difference regarding all parameters. Bone marrow aspiration and examination revealed mild hypocellularity with increased number of lymphocytes and relevance of plasmacytoid-lymphocytes. From this study we can conclude that patients with chronic HCV infection are in need for good observation and follow up before taking therapy because they have some hematological abnormalities which need more concern in order to decrease their progressive effect before starting therapy for HCV per se. They should be always screened and given liver and marrow supportive supplements.