[Clinical and consequence study on 51 cases of hepatitis C]

Area of Science:

• Hepatology and Virology
• Infectious Diseases

Context:

• Study focuses on 51 patients with confirmed Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.
• Patients had a history of plasma donation prior to illness onset.
• Exclusion of other viral infections (HAV, HBV, CMV, EBV) confirmed HCV diagnosis.

Purpose:

• To characterize the clinical course and chronicity of Hepatitis C.
• To determine the incubation period and presentation of acute Hepatitis C.
• To assess the long-term outcomes, including chronicity rates and ALT levels.

Summary:

• The average incubation period for Hepatitis C was 57.9 days (range: 35-90 days).
• The ratio of icteric to anicteric cases was 1:1.55, with fever in only 13.7% of acute cases.
• Hepatitis C demonstrated a high chronicity rate (64.7% after 1 year, 38.6% after 2 years) and a prolonged clinical course, with significant ALT abnormalities in chronic cases.

Impact:

• Findings underscore the significant public health challenge posed by Hepatitis C due to its high chronicity.
• Highlights the importance of early detection and management strategies for Hepatitis C.
• Contributes to understanding the natural history and long-term prognosis of Hepatitis C infection.