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Chronic HCV infection is a risk factor of ischemic stroke

Luigi E Adinolfi1, Luciano Restivo, Barbara Guerrera

  • 1Department of Medicine, Surgery, Neurology, Geriatric and Metabolic Diseases, Second University of Naples, Internal Medicine of Clinic Hospital of Marcianise, ASL Caserta, Italy.

Atherosclerosis
|October 16, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection significantly increases stroke risk, particularly at younger ages. Inflammation appears to be a key factor, highlighting the need for clinical awareness.

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Cardiovascular Medicine

Background:

  • Cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke, are a major global health concern.
  • Inflammation plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and stroke.
  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is increasingly recognized as a risk factor for atherosclerosis due to its inflammatory effects and presence in vascular tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence and role of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in patients diagnosed with stroke.
  • To test the hypothesis that individuals with HCV infection are at an elevated risk of experiencing stroke.

Main Methods:

  • A cohort study involving 820 consecutive patients, with 123 diagnosed with stroke and 697 serving as age- and gender-matched controls.
  • Patients were assessed for HCV infection status and conventional stroke risk factors.
  • Statistical analyses, including multivariate analysis, were employed to determine the independent risk of HCV infection for stroke.

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of HCV infection was significantly higher in the stroke group (26.8%) compared to the control group (6.6%).
  • HCV-positive stroke patients were younger and exhibited lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels but higher inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP, fibrinogen).
  • HCV infection was identified as an independent risk factor for stroke (Odds Ratio 2.04).

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infected individuals face a substantially higher and earlier risk of stroke.
  • Inflammation is a critical mediator in the relationship between HCV infection and stroke.
  • These findings necessitate increased clinical awareness and consideration of HCV status in stroke risk assessment and future research.
Abstract

Keywords:
AtherosclerosisHCVIschemic heart diseaseIschemic stroke

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