[Influence of hepatitis C virus on the alcoholic liver diseases]

In order to know the influence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) on the alcoholic liver diseases (ALD), 124 patients with ALD were divided into two groups by positive or negative anti-HCV, and differences of histological findings, laboratory data, evolution of histopathology and liver disease of those who developed hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) between both groups were investigated. There were 31 patients (25%) in the anti-HCV positive group and 93 patients (75%) in the negative group. Histologically, viral changes were seen in most patients (55%) of the positive group, whereas those were seen in a few patients (15%) of the negative group. The patients of the positive group showed higher serum adenosine deaminase levels compared with those of the negative group. However, as regards the evolution of histopathology, amount of alcohol consumed seemed to be more responsible than positive anti-HCV. Three out of 6 patients with HCC were anti-HCV positive cirrhotics, although there were three anti-HCV negative HCC patients: one with cirrhosis and two with hepatic fibrosis.