Related Experiment Videos
[Long term follow-up of patients with chronic hepatitis due to hepatitis C virus]
1Centro de Gastroenterología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Hospital José Joaquín Aguirre, Santiago.
Insights
This study analyzed 32 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection over 2-25 years. Most patients experienced mild symptoms, but some developed liver failure, with three deaths, and no hepatocarcinoma cases were observed.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Gastroenterology
Context:
- Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant global health concern.
- Long-term outcomes and clinical progression of HCV are crucial for patient management.
- Understanding the natural history of HCV informs treatment strategies and public health policies.
Purpose:
- To retrospectively analyze the long-term clinical course and outcomes of 32 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
- To investigate the progression of liver disease, including development of cirrhosis and liver failure.
- To identify potential risk factors and clinical manifestations associated with chronic HCV.
Summary:
- Thirty-two patients with confirmed chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection were followed for 2 to 25 years.
- The majority presented with mild symptoms and moderate transaminase elevations; 15 patients (47%) had cirrhosis at baseline.
- Six patients deteriorated, developing liver failure, and three died; no cases of hepatocarcinoma were reported.
Impact:
- Provides insights into the long-term prognosis of chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
- Highlights the potential for severe complications like liver failure despite initially mild presentations.
- Contributes to the understanding of HCV natural history, aiding in risk assessment and patient counseling.
Abstract:
Thirty two patients (18 males whose ages ranged from 32 to 68 years old) with hepatitis C virus chronic hepatitis (positive anti-HCV by ELISA, confirmed by RIBA II) that were followed by the authors during 2 to 25 years, were retrospectively analyzed. Thirteen subjects had a history of blood transfusions, one had an accidental pinprick and other a sexual contact with a HCV positive individual; the transmission source was not identified in the resting 19 subjects. Only five individuals had an acute onset. The rest of the patients had few symptoms with moderate and fluctuating transaminase elevations. Liver biopsy at the onset showed a chronic hepatitis with moderate activity, even in 15 individuals with cirrhosis (47%). During follow up, six subjects deteriorated clinically, appearing liver failure and three of these died 4, 5 and 14 years after the disease appearance. No subject developed a hepatocarcinoma.