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Distinct features in natural history and outcomes of acute hepatitis C

Chalermrat Bunchorntavakul1, Lisa M Jones, Masahiro Kikuchi

  • 1*Department of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania ‡Department of Medicine, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Philadelphia VA Medical Center §Pennsylvania Hospital, Philadelphia, PA †Rajavithi Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand ∥VA New York Harbor Healthcare System, Brooklyn, NY.

Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology
|January 25, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Acute hepatitis C (AHCV) is a diverse condition requiring vigilance. Many patients lack clear risk factors, and presentations vary, necessitating careful monitoring for optimal outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Acute hepatitis C (AHCV) presents diagnostic challenges due to varied clinical manifestations.
  • Identifying AHCV requires careful consideration of diverse patient presentations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the clinical and demographic characteristics of AHCV patients.
  • To analyze treatment outcomes in patients with acute hepatitis C.
  • To understand the diverse presentations and risk factors associated with AHCV.

Main Methods:

  • Patients with suspected AHCV were identified from multiple hospital settings (2000-2010).
  • Diagnosis was confirmed via ALT elevation, HCV-RNA fluctuations, and/or recent exposure, excluding HIV co-infection.
  • Clinical and therapeutic outcomes were monitored for at least six months.

Main Results:

  • 40 AHCV patients were enrolled, predominantly male (68%) and white (73%), with a median age of 43.
  • Risk factors were diverse, including injection drug use (33%), healthcare exposure (20%), and unknown (45%).
  • Spontaneous viral clearance occurred in 23%, 27% had persistent viremia without treatment, and 50% treated with interferon achieved 90% cure.

Conclusions:

  • Acute hepatitis C is a heterogeneous disease demanding close patient monitoring.
  • The high proportion of patients with unidentified risk factors and varied presentations underscores the need for diagnostic vigilance.
Abstract

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