Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 10, 2026

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
12:24

A Three-Dimensional Spheroid Model to Investigate the Tumor-Stromal Interaction in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Published on: September 30, 2021

Predictors of pain intensity and pain functioning in patients with the hepatitis C virus

Benjamin J Morasco1, Marilyn Huckans, Jennifer M Loftis

  • 1Northwest Hepatitis C Resource Center and Mental Health and Clinical Neurosciences Division, Portland VA Medical Center, Portland, OR 97239, USA. benjamin.morasco@va.gov

General Hospital Psychiatry
|July 17, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Psychological factors like depression significantly impact pain intensity and functioning in hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients. Understanding these links is crucial for developing effective chronic pain interventions in HCV populations.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Research
  • Hepatology
  • Pain Management

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with significant pain.
  • The interplay between biological, psychological, and pain outcomes in HCV patients requires further elucidation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the associations between biological and psychological variables and pain intensity.
  • To examine the relationships among biological and psychological variables and pain functioning in patients with HCV.

Main Methods:

  • 49 patients with HCV completed validated assessments of pain intensity and functioning.
  • Psychological functioning was measured, and medical records were reviewed for disease-related variables.

Main Results:

  • 67.3% of participants had a pain-related condition diagnosis.
  • Psychosocial variables, especially depression severity, significantly predicted pain intensity (21% variance) and pain functioning (33% variance).
  • These findings persisted after controlling for demographic, opioid, and disease-related factors.

Conclusions:

  • Preliminary evidence supports the role of biological and psychological factors in HCV-related pain.
  • Further research should comprehensively assess pain-related factors and their associations with disease and biological variables.
  • A deeper understanding of these factors will guide future interventions for chronic pain in HCV patients.
Abstract

More Related Videos

The CYP2D6 Animal Model: How to Induce Autoimmune Hepatitis in Mice09:03

The CYP2D6 Animal Model: How to Induce Autoimmune Hepatitis in Mice

Published on: February 3, 2012

Determining Pain Detection and Tolerance Thresholds Using an Integrated, Multi-Modal Pain Task Battery09:38

Determining Pain Detection and Tolerance Thresholds Using an Integrated, Multi-Modal Pain Task Battery

Published on: April 14, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology01:21

Chronic Pancreatitis II: Pathophysiology

Chronic pancreatitis is a progressive and irreversible inflammation of the pancreas, most often caused by long-term alcohol abuse, but it can also be related to ductal obstruction, smoking, or genetic factors.Chronic pancreatitis occurs when the pancreas is repeatedly exposed to harmful agents like alcohol, smoking, ductal obstruction, or genetic predisposition. These factors lead to the release of toxic metabolites and inflammatory cytokines, sustaining chronic inflammation in the pancreatic...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:25

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

Chronic pancreatitis is a long-standing, relapsing inflammation of the pancreas, characterized by irreversible damage to the gland. It results in progressive destruction of the pancreatic parenchyma, fibrosis, and eventual loss of both exocrine and endocrine function. The disease may evolve gradually after multiple episodes of acute pancreatitis or develop independently.EtiologyChronic pancreatitis can arise from a variety of causes:Alcohol use is the leading cause, accounting for 70–80% of...
Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction01:24

Chronic Pancreatitis I: Introduction

The pancreas, an elongated and flat gland situated behind the stomach, serves a vital function in digesting food and managing blood sugar levels.
Pancreatitis is the inflammation of the pancreas, which occurs when the immune system becomes active and causes swelling, pain, and disruptions in organ function. Pancreatitis can manifest as either an acute or chronic condition.
Acute pancreatitis arises suddenly and lasts for a brief duration, while chronic pancreatitis is a long-term affliction...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...