Hepatitis C and arthritis: an update

Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2006 Dec;20(4):877-89, vii. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2006.09.010.

Abstract

Extrahepatic symptoms during chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are common and varied. Arthritis can be seen either as part of autoimmune processes (eg, associated with cryoglobulinemia) or independently. Whether the manifestation is specifically attributable to HCV infection or rather to the nonspecific result of a chronic inflammatory process is not clear. The literature available at this time is insufficient to guide the most appropriate course of treatment of HCV arthritis. Standard antirheumatic treatment can be considered, but with caution, because some of these medications occasionally may be hepatotoxic and response to therapy seems variable. Treatment decisions should be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antirheumatic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Arthritis / drug therapy
  • Arthritis / epidemiology
  • Arthritis / physiopathology
  • Arthritis / virology*
  • Female
  • Hepacivirus / drug effects
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / complications*
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / drug therapy
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / epidemiology
  • Hepatitis C, Chronic / virology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Antirheumatic Agents
  • Antiviral Agents