Characterization of Respiratory Manifestations of Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infected Patients

Abstract

Background: chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been reported in association with several extrahepatic manifestations. Chronic HCV infection is also associated with both direct and indirect effects on pulmonary tissue. Purpose: to evaluate phenotypes of respiratory manifestations of chronic hepatitis C virus. Patients and Methods: 1-this study was conducted on 150 Egyptian patients with chronic hepatitis C. Patients were selected from those attending the in patients and out patients clinic of the Tropical Medicine and Chest Departments, Al-Azhar University Hospital-Damietta from September 2016 to Septamber 2018. 2-also ,50 healthy subjects matched for age and sex were included as volunteer. 3-consent was informed by all patients and volunteer shared in this study. Results: C.O.P.D: documented in 32 patients (21.3%). Asthma: documented in 15 patients (10%) of all patients. Air way hyperreactivity: documented in 15patients (10%) of all patients. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF): is presented in 37 patients (24.6%). Pneumonia: documented in 10 patients (6%) of all patients. Transudative pleural effusion: documented in 10 patients (6%) of all patients. Adenocarcinoma: documented in 5 patients (3.3%) of all patients. Pseudolymphoma: documented in 1 patient (0.006%) of all patients. Lung abscess: documented in 10 patient (6%) of all patients. Pulmonary embolism: documented in 5 patients (3.3%) of all patients. Hepatopulmonary syndrom: documented in 10 patients (6%) of all patients. Conclusion: Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is related to the development of several pulmonary abnormalities. These pulmonary manifestations of HCV infection are frequently underdiagnosed. Recommendations: Any patient with chronic HCV infection should be evaluated with HRCT chest and pulmonary function tests for early diagnosis of pulmonary abnormalities to prevent further complications.