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Extrahepatic Manifestations of Hepatitis C Virus

Mauro Viganò1, Massimo Colombo2

  • 1Hepatology Division, Ospedale San Giuseppe, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via San Vittore 12, Milan 20122, Italy.

Gastroenterology Clinics of North America
|November 25, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes liver disease and extrahepatic manifestations (EHMs). While HCV eradication can reverse most EHMs, some patients may experience irreversible organ damage.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology and Viral Gastroenterology
  • Immunology and Autoimmune Diseases
  • Nephrology and Dermatology

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a leading global cause of liver disease.
  • HCV infection is associated with a wide range of extrahepatic manifestations (EHMs), affecting multiple organ systems.
  • Mixed cryoglobulinemia serves as a classic example of an HCV-related EHM.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the spectrum of extrahepatic manifestations associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
  • To emphasize the impact of HCV-related EHMs on patient morbidity, quality of life, and survival.
  • To discuss the reversibility of these complications following successful HCV eradication.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on hepatitis C virus infection and its extrahepatic manifestations.
  • Analysis of clinical data regarding the impact of EHMs on patient outcomes.
  • Evaluation of the efficacy of interferon-based therapy in reversing HCV-related complications.

Main Results:

  • HCV infection is linked to significant morbidity through various EHMs, including those affecting the skin, kidneys, salivary glands, eyes, thyroid, and immune system.
  • Mixed cryoglobulinemia is a well-recognized extrahepatic manifestation of HCV.
  • Successful eradication of HCV via interferon therapy leads to the reversal of most EHMs, improving patient quality of life and survival.

Conclusions:

  • Hepatitis C virus infection poses a significant threat not only to liver health but also to multiple other organ systems.
  • While HCV eradication is effective in resolving many associated complications, irreversible organ damage can occur in some individuals.
  • Prompt diagnosis and treatment of HCV are crucial to prevent long-term sequelae and improve patient prognosis.

Keywords:
B-cell non–Hodgkin lymphomaCryoglobulinsExtrahepatic manifestationsHCVInterferon

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