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Fibromyalgia-associated hepatitis C virus infection
J Rivera1, A de Diego, M Trinchet
1Rheumatology Unit, Hospital General Universitario Gregorio Marañón, Madrid, Spain.
British Journal of Rheumatology
|November 5, 1997
Summary
This study found a link between fibromyalgia and active hepatitis C virus infection. Healthcare providers should consider HCV testing for fibromyalgia patients, even without elevated liver enzymes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Rheumatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Fibromyalgia (FM) and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are prevalent conditions.
- Potential associations between autoimmune diseases and viral infections are areas of ongoing research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and fibromyalgia (FM).
- To determine the prevalence of HCV in FM patients compared to rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
- To assess FM symptoms in patients with chronic HCV infection.
Main Methods:
- Compared HCV prevalence in 112 FM patients versus matched RA controls.
- Evaluated FM in 58 chronic HCV patients versus matched controls.
- Utilized ELISA, RIBA for HCV antibodies, and PCR for HCV-RNA.
- Assessed alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and autoimmune markers.
Main Results:
- HCV antibodies were more prevalent in FM patients (15.2%) than RA controls (5.3%).
- HCV-RNA was detected in 13 FM patients, with normal ALT in 50% of these.
- Chronic HCV patients showed higher rates of diffuse musculoskeletal pain (53%) and FM criteria fulfillment (10%) compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- An association exists between fibromyalgia and active hepatitis C virus infection.
- Fibromyalgia in this context was not linked to liver damage or autoimmune markers.
- HCV infection should be considered in fibromyalgia patients, irrespective of ALT levels.