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Thrombotic risk in hepatitis C: Interplay between hepatic dysfunction, viral-driven inflammation, and cardiovascular
Mohammed Zohery1, Sarah Jahangir2, Hamed Carter Jenna2
1George Washington School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC 20052, United States.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection causes systemic inflammation and increases thrombosis risk. Direct-acting antivirals improve outcomes, but ongoing surveillance is vital for high-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Vascular Biology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is increasingly recognized as a systemic disease, not just a liver-specific condition.
- Chronic HCV infection establishes a pro-inflammatory and pro-thrombotic state, elevating risks for venous and arterial thrombotic events.
- This systemic impact involves endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation, coagulation imbalance, and immune-mediated vascular injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex interplay between chronic Hepatitis C virus infection, systemic inflammation, and thrombotic complications.
- To highlight the mechanisms driving virus-induced coagulopathy and its clinical manifestations.
- To emphasize the impact of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) therapy and the need for continued risk assessment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on Hepatitis C virus, thrombosis, inflammation, and endothelial function.
- Analysis of clinical manifestations and mechanistic pathways linking HCV to thrombotic events.
- Evaluation of the impact of direct-acting antiviral therapy on systemic complications.
Main Results:
- Chronic HCV infection promotes a pro-thrombotic state through endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation, and coagulation/fibrinolysis imbalance.
- Clinical manifestations include portal vein thrombosis, venous thromboembolism, coronary artery disease, and ischemic stroke.
- Direct-acting antiviral therapy effectively reduces inflammation and thrombotic risks, but high-risk patients require ongoing monitoring.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis C virus infection is a systemic condition with significant thrombotic implications, challenging the traditional view of cirrhosis.
- Effective treatment with DAAs can reverse many systemic effects, but residual risk persists in advanced disease.
- Integrating thrombotic risk assessment into HCV patient care is crucial for comprehensive management.
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