Extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C infection

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Manifestaciones extrahepáticas de la infección por el virus de la hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus predominantly affects the liver, although it may also produce a number of extrahepatic manifestations, such as mixed cryoglobulinemia, salivary and lacrimal gland dysfunction, and several types of kidney disease. The pathogenesis of these conditions is not completely understood, but immunologic mechanisms are involved in many cases. In some patients with hepatitis C virus infection, the extrahepatic manifestations predominate and their proper diagnosis and management is very important.

Management of hepatitis C

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a common cause of chronic liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma. It is estimated that 15-20% of those infected will develop cirrhosis after 20 years of infection. It is transmitted parenterally, and HCV antibody and HCV RNA tests diagnose infection with a high degree of accuracy. Currently, a combination of peginterferon and ribavirin is the most efficacious treatment, with sustained viral response rates of 45% for genotype 1 and 80% for genotypes 2 and 3. There is some evidence that treatment with interferon-based regimens can improve the natural history of this infection. The side effects of treatment are well recognized and include leucopenia, thrombocytopenia, haemolytic anaemia and depression. Patients with HCV-related decompensated cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma should be considered for liver transplantation. The management of special groups, including those with acute HCV infection, co-infected with hepatitis B (HBV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), continues to be defined.