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Neuromuscular diseases associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection
1Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Cornell University Medical College/New York Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY 10065-4885, USA. pstuebge@med.cornell.edu
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects millions globally, often leading to extrahepatic manifestations like neuromuscular diseases. Treating HCV may help manage these associated autoimmune disorders.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Neurology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern, impacting over 170 million individuals chronically.
- A substantial proportion of HCV-positive patients (up to 50%) experience extrahepatic manifestations.
Observation:
- Evidence links chronic HCV infection to various neuromuscular diseases.
- The exact mechanisms driving these extrahepatic conditions are not fully understood.
Findings:
- Potential causes for extrahepatic manifestations include HCV lymphotropism and the development of HCV-induced autoantibodies.
- Neuromuscular complications are a recognized comorbidity in chronic Hepatitis C.
Implications:
- Therapeutic strategies for HCV-associated autoimmune disorders focus on eradicating the virus.
- Treatment involves recombinant interferon-alpha, potentially combined with immunosuppressive agents.
Abstract:
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a growing international health problem, and more than 170 million people are chronic carriers. Up to 50% of HCV-positive patients develop at least one extrahepatic manifestation during the course of disease. To varying degrees of certainty, there is evidence of an association between chronic HCV infection and a variety of neuromuscular diseases. The pathogenesis of most extrahepatic diseases remains unclear but possibly includes HCV lymphotropism and/or HCV-induced autoantibodies. The therapeutic approach to HCV-associated autoimmune disorders entails eradication of HCV with one of the recombinant interferon-alpha preparations with or without additional immunosuppressive drugs.
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