Hepatitis C (cont.)
In this Article
What conditions outside the liver are associated with hepatitis C?
Most of the signs and symptoms of HCV relate to the
liver. Less commonly, HCV causes conditions outside of the liver.
- An example is
when the body produces unusual antibodies called 'cryoglobulins'. These
cryoglobulins cause inflammation of the arteries (vasculitis) which may damage the skin, joints, and
kidneys. Patients with cryoglobulinemia may
have joint pain,
arthritis, a raised purple rash on the legs, generalized pain
or swelling. In addition, these patients may develop
Raynaud's phenomenon, in which the fingers and toes turn
color (white, then purple, then red) and become painful at cold temperatures.
- Two skin conditions, lichen planus and
porphyria cutanea tarda, have been associated with chronic infection with HCV.
- For reasons
that are unclear, diabetes is three times more common among patients with
chronic HCV infection than in the general population.
- Low platelet counts may
occur as a result of antibody-mediated platelet destruction.
- HCV also is
associated with B-cell lymphoma, a
cancer of the lymph system.
What is the usual progression of chronic infection with the hepatitis C virus?
Our understanding of the natural progression (history) of HCV infection still
is evolving.
Of 100 people infected with HCV, it is estimated that 75 to 85 will
become chronically infected, 60 to 70 will develop liver disease, 5 to 20 will
develop cirrhosis and 1 to 5 will die from complications of liver disease like
cirrhosis or liver cancer.
Scientists are learning more about what causes some
people to have milder problems and others to have serious complications.
Drinking alcohol or acquiring other hepatitis viruses are risk factors for
severe disease. Thus, persons who have chronic hepatitis C should avoid drinking
and should be vaccinated against the other hepatitis viruses (A and B).
Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) is associated
with cirrhosis due to chronic HCV infection. Some experts recommend screening
patients with HCV and cirrhosis for liver cancer every six months with abdominal
ultrasound and a
blood test for alpha-fetoprotein (a marker for liver cancer). The effectiveness
of this screening is unclear.
Next: Who is at high risk and should be tested for hepatitis C infection? »
- interferon - Describes the medication interferon (Roferon-A, Intron-A, Rebetron, Alferon-N, Peg-Intron, Avonex, Betaseron, Infergen, Actimmune, Pegasys), a drug used in managing many diseases that involve the immune system.
- Liver Blood Tests - Learn about liver blood tests used to detect liver damage disease such as fatty liver, cirrhosis, hepatitis, Tylenol liver damage, and more. This includes measuring the aminotransferases enzymes (AST and ALT levels)
- Diabetes - Learn about type 1 and 2 diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus) symptoms including increased urination, thirst, weight loss, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, skin infections, and blurred vision. Causes and diagnosis information is provided in the information.
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