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Hepatitis C infection is associated with increased coronary artery atherosclerosis defined by modified Reardon

Omer Alyan1, Fehmi Kacmaz, Ozcan Ozdemir

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Dicle University, Diyarbakir.

Circulation Journal : Official Journal of the Japanese Circulation Society
|October 30, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is linked to more severe coronary artery disease (CAD). This study found HCV infection independently predicts increased coronary atherosclerosis, highlighting a significant association.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Conflicting evidence exists regarding the association between chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and arteriosclerotic disease.
  • The impact of chronic HCV infection on the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of chronic HCV infection on the severity of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Main Methods:

  • A cohort of 139 HCV seropositive and 225 HCV seronegative patients with angiographically confirmed CAD was analyzed.
  • The Reardon scoring system was employed to assess the severity of coronary atherosclerosis.
  • Statistical analysis included adjustments for potential confounding factors.

Main Results:

  • HCV seropositive patients exhibited significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen.
  • The Reardon severity score was significantly higher in the HCV seropositive group (8.75±1.69) compared to the seronegative group (6.01±1.80).
  • HCV seropositivity was identified as an independent predictor of increased coronary atherosclerosis severity (OR 2.018, 95% CI 1.575-2.579).

Conclusions:

  • Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is an independent predictor of increased coronary atherosclerosis.
  • Higher Reardon severity scores in HCV-infected patients indicate a greater extent of coronary artery disease.
Abstract

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