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Chronic hepatitis C virus infection associated with autonomic dysfunction

János Osztovits1, Tamás Horváth, Margit Abonyi

  • 11st Department of Internal Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary. janos.osztovits@gmail.com

Liver International : Official Journal of the International Association for the Study of the Liver
|July 16, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection impairs autonomic nervous system function, indicated by reduced baroreflex sensitivity and heart rate variability. This dysfunction correlates with elevated liver enzymes but not viral load.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Hepatology
  • Autonomic Neuroscience

Background:

  • Impaired autonomic function is a poor prognostic indicator in chronic liver diseases.
  • The specific impact of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection on the autonomic nervous system is not well understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To compare cardiovagal autonomic function in patients with chronic HCV infection and healthy controls.
  • To examine the relationship between autonomic function and serum markers (aminotransferases, HCV RNA, cryoglobulins, albumin, glucose) in HCV patients.

Main Methods:

  • Assessed autonomic function using spontaneous baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and heart rate variability (HRV) indices in 45 treatment-naïve HCV patients and 40 healthy controls.
  • Measured R-R intervals via electrocardiogram and continuous radial artery pressure via applanation tonometry.
  • Performed laboratory analyses and quantitative polymerase chain reaction for serum HCV RNA levels.

Main Results:

  • HCV patients exhibited significantly lower BRS and HRV indices compared to healthy controls (P<0.01).
  • Multivariate analysis revealed that autonomic dysfunction in HCV-infected patients correlated with elevated alanine aminotransferase levels.
  • Autonomic dysfunction was not associated with serum HCV RNA levels or cryoglobulins.

Conclusions:

  • Chronic HCV infection appears to cause impaired autonomic function.
  • Further research is required to elucidate the specific mechanisms underlying this autonomic dysfunction in HCV.
Abstract

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