Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/9371
Title: Rheumatic manifestations of hepatitis C virus infection are associated with autoantibodies but not viremia
Authors: Weng, Meng-Tzu
Chang, Ting-Hui
Lin, Chien-Chu
Keywords: Arthritis
Antinuclear antibody
Rheumatoid factor
Sicca syndrome
Viral load
Issue Date: Aug-2023
Publisher: Elsevier Taiwan LLC
Citation: Original Article
Abstract: Abstract Background: To investigate the associations between extrahepatic manifestations, autoantibodies, and viremia in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited patients with HCV infection from the outpatient department of a tertiary medical center in Northern Taiwan between January 2017 and August 2019. Autoantibody profiles and the clinical parameters of HCV infection were evaluated using laboratory tests, and a questionnaire was used to record extrahepatic manifestations. HCV infection status, including inactive HCV infection, active hepatitis, and cirrhosis, was defined according to abdominal ultrasonography findings and alanine transaminase levels. Results: A total of 77 patients with HCV were recruited, with 19.5% and 16.9% of patients, respectively, presenting with arthritis and dry eyes. Autoantibody screening revealed rheumatoid factor (RF), antinuclear antibody (ANA), anti-Ro antibody, and anti-La antibody positivity in 20.8%, 23.4%, 13.0%, and 2.6% of the patients, respectively. The presence of RF was associated with arthritis, whereas the presence of ANA was associated with dry eyes but not dry mouth. Active hepatitis and HCV-related cirrhosis were associated with viremia, but not autoantibody profiles. Conclusion: In this single-center study, the prevalence of extrahepatic manifestations and autoantibodies did not differ in patients stratified by the HCV infection status. Rheumatic manifestations were associated with the presence of autoantibodies but not with viremia.
URI: http://localhost:8080/xmlui/handle/123456789/9371
Appears in Collections:VOL 56 NO 4 2023

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