Liver Histology of Patients with Hepatitis C Virus Infection and Normal Alanine Aminotransferase Levels
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Tarih
2012
Dergi Başlığı
Dergi ISSN
Cilt Başlığı
Yayıncı
Aves
Erişim Hakkı
info:eu-repo/semantics/closedAccess
Özet
Objective: In this study, our objective is to evaluate histological changes in livers of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Methods: 72 patients over 16 years old, with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and normal ALT levels were evaluated in this multicenter retrospective study. Persistently normal ALT level was defined as 2 or 3 normal ALT levels at intervals of at least 1 month during 6 months. Demographic data, year of diagnosis, at least 2 ALT values within 6 months, hepatitis markers, results of HCV RNA and the liver biopsy were all evaluated. Serological markers have been tested with different kits. HCV RNA has been studied by RT-PCR with dynamic range and sensitivity of different kits. All biopsies were evaluated again by the same pathologist. Results: The mean age was 44 +/- 13 years and 61.1% were female. HCV RNA levels were between 1.53x10(2)-1.13x10(8) IU/ml. The mean ALT levels were 30.3 +/- 9.6 IU/lt. The mean grade of necro-inflammation was 4.67 +/- 1.96 and mean staging of fibrosis was 1.03 +/- 1.13. The ratios of minimal, mild and moderate activity in the liver biopsies were 48.6%, 45.3% and, 2.8%, respectively. Rate of portal-periportal fibrosis, bridging fibrosis and incomplete cirrhosis were 51.4%, 6.9%, and 1.4%, respectively. Conclusions: ALT level is a poor indicator of liver disease activity in patients with CHC. Patients with indication for treatment should be evaluated for liver biopsy.
Açıklama
Anahtar Kelimeler
Hepatitis C Virus, Alanine Transaminase, Histology, Chronic Liver Disease
Kaynak
Klimik Journal
WoS Q Değeri
N/A
Scopus Q Değeri
Q4
Cilt
25
Sayı
1
