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Alcoholic hepatitis and concomitant hepatitis C virus infection
Mohamed Shoreibah1, Bhupinderjit S Anand1, Ashwani K Singal1
1Mohamed Shoreibah, Ashwani K Singal, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University of Alabama Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294-0012, United States.
World Journal of Gastroenterology
|September 19, 2014
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and alcohol abuse significantly increase chronic liver disease risk. Combined HCV and alcohol use synergistically damage the liver, raising mortality rates in alcoholic hepatitis patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Toxicology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and alcohol abuse are leading causes of chronic liver disease in the US.
- Alcoholic hepatitis, a syndrome of active alcohol abuse, carries high short-term mortality.
- Approximately 20% of alcoholic hepatitis patients have concurrent HCV infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the impact of concomitant Hepatitis C virus infection on mortality in patients with alcoholic hepatitis.
- To highlight the synergistic liver damage caused by combined alcohol abuse and HCV infection.
- To identify research gaps regarding treatment guidelines for alcoholic hepatitis with concurrent HCV infection.
Main Methods:
- This study is a review of existing literature on alcoholic hepatitis and HCV co-infection.
- Analysis of epidemiological data on chronic liver disease causes in the United States.
- Review of clinical outcomes and mortality rates in patients with alcoholic hepatitis and HCV co-infection.
Main Results:
- Concomitant HCV infection increases mortality in patients with alcoholic hepatitis.
- HCV and alcohol exhibit a synergistic interaction, exacerbating hepatocellular damage.
- Current treatment guidelines do not adequately address the complexities of co-infected patients.
Conclusions:
- The combination of HCV infection and alcohol abuse poses a significant, synergistic threat to liver health.
- Further research, including large prospective randomized studies, is crucial for developing effective treatment guidelines, particularly concerning corticosteroid use.
- The role of antiviral therapy in managing alcoholic hepatitis with concurrent HCV infection requires novel investigation.
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