[Update in Hepatitis C virus associated extrahepatic manifestations]

Rev Med Interne. 2007 Jun;28(6):388-93. doi: 10.1016/j.revmed.2006.10.321. Epub 2006 Nov 7.
[Article in French]

Abstract

Introduction: Since the discovery of the hepatitis C virus, many manifestations, so called extra-hepatic manifestations (EHM), are largely reported with more or less relationship proofs.

Actualities and main points: This article proposes a review of the main extra-hepatic manifestations associated with the Hepatis C Virus infection and which remain a topical subject, more than fifteen years after the discovery of this virus. Mixed cryoglobulin and its vasculitic manifestations are still one of the more frequent Hepatis C Virus associated-extra-hepatic manifestations. Its management may be critically changed due to the increasing use of anti-CD20 therapy. Among other HCV-EHM, the following extra-hepatic manifestations are still of interest: the chronic fatigue syndrome, the sicca syndrome, the non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus, malignant B cell proliferations, mainly the Hepatis C Virus-related splenic lymphoma with villous lymphocytes and the production of auto-antibodies.

Perspectives and projects: The mechanisms underlying these HCV-associated EHM are ill-elucidated and still remain of great interest as proved by current studies. The use of anti-CD20 antibodies in the treatment of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is also under investigation.

Publication types

  • English Abstract
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Autoantibodies / blood
  • Cryoglobulinemia / etiology*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 1 / etiology
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / etiology*
  • Hepatitis C / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Lymphoproliferative Disorders / etiology
  • Sjogren's Syndrome / etiology

Substances

  • Autoantibodies