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Community acquired and post-transfusion hepatitis C "is there a difference?"
A R Qureshi1, S Hamid, W Jafri
1Department of Medicine, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi.
Insights
Community-acquired (CA) and post-transfusion (PT) hepatitis C share similar lab and histology findings. However, CA hepatitis C is more common in males, while PT hepatitis C affects more females.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can be acquired through community exposure or blood transfusions.
- Distinguishing between community-acquired (CA) and post-transfusion (PT) hepatitis C is crucial for understanding transmission routes and patient demographics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the epidemiological, laboratory, and histological characteristics of community-acquired (CA) and post-transfusion (PT) hepatitis C.
- To identify potential differences in disease presentation and progression between the two groups.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 77 hepatitis C antibody-positive patients.
- Comparison of patient history, laboratory data, and liver biopsy findings between CA and PT hepatitis C groups.
- Statistical analysis of demographic data, including age, sex, and time to presentation.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in mean age, laboratory parameters, or histological disease activity scores between CA and PT hepatitis C groups.
- The male to female ratio was 2:1 in the CA group versus 1:2.4 in the PT group.
- Cirrhosis with chronic active hepatitis (CAH) was more prevalent in the CA group (68%) compared to the PT group (54%).
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis C is a significant cause of community-acquired hepatitis.
- Post-transfusion hepatitis C is more common in females, potentially due to transfusion history related to obstetric and gynecological reasons.
- Laboratory and histological features of hepatitis C do not significantly differ between community-acquired and post-transfusion cases.
Abstract:
We analyzed 77 consecutive hepatitis C antibody positive patients to compare the history, laboratory data and histological features of community acquired (CA) and post-transfusion (PT) hepatitis C. Forty-six patients had "CA" and 31 "PT" hepatitis C. Mean age in both groups was same (45.67 vs 46 years). Male to female ratio was 2:1 in the CA group and 1:2.4 in the PT group. Mean duration between jaundice and first presentation was 8.9 years in the CA group and the mean duration between transfusion and first presentation was 9.8 years in PT group. No significant difference was found between two groups in the laboratory data. Liver biopsy was done in 32 patients (19 CA and 13 PT group). Mean histological score for disease activity was 9.3 in both groups, although more (68%) patients in the CA group had cirrhosis with chronic active hepatitis, (CAH) as compared to the PT (54%) group. Hepatitis C is an important cause of CA hepatitis. PT hepatitis C is more common in females because of increased likelihood of receiving transfusion for obstetric and gynaecological reasons. There is no significant difference in the laboratory and histological features between CA and PT hepatitis C.