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[Auto-immune serological disorders in chronic viral C hepatitis: prevalence and clinical significance]
Leila Mouelhi1, Radhouane Debbeche, Imene Sfar
1Service de Gastro-entérologie, Hôpital Charles Nicolle, Tunis.
Background:
Hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection has been shown to lead to auto-immune phenomena.
Aims:
We review the prevalence of serological auto-immune disorders associated to HCV infection and to clarify their clinical significance.
Methods:
Literature review.
Results:
The serological immune response to HCV infection may include the development of cryoglobulinemia, rheumatoid factor, anticardiolipin, antinuclear, anti-liver-kidney-microsome 1 and anti-smooth muscle antibodies. Serological auto-immune manifestations were explained by the lymphotropism of HCV and the polyclonal activation of B cells. Interferon-based treatment of HCV infection may precipitate or exacerbate the associated auto-immune disease.
Conclusion:
In patients with serological auto-immune disorders associated with HCV infection, a very careful analysis of clinical and biological features is needed. Application of classification criteria of systemic auto-immune diseases and testing more specific antibodies can resolve this point.
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