MEASUREMENT OF SERUM BIOCHEMICAL LIVER PARAMETERS AND HCV RNA LEVELS FOR DETECTION THE SEVERITY OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS-ASSOCIATED HEPATOCELLULAR CARCINOMA

Abstract

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver disease. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major complication associated with HCV virus infection, with significant mortality and morbidity rates. This study aimed to measure biochemical liver parameters and HCV RNA levels for detection the severity of hepatitis C virus- associated hepatocellular carcinoma. The study was conducted on 100 patients, with ages ranging from 36 to 68 years and patients grouped into four groups. The 1 st group served as control group (n= 25),the second group (n=25): Hepatitis C Virus, the third group (n=25): HCV-associated HCC and the fourth group (n=25): After HCC removal and tumor resection. Serum samples were collected from the studied patients. Liver function enzymes (ALT, AST, Alkaline phosphatase) and another function parameters (Albumin and Total bilirubin) were tested to all patients of the studied groups. The results showed that hepatitis C Virus, HCV-associated HCC, and after HCC removal groups had an increase in liver function enzymes, decrease in albumin levels, and an increase in total bilirubin levels which indicate damage in the liver. Viral loads indicated in males infected higher than in females and significantly increased in HCV patients, and a highly significant increase in HCV associated HCC patients. Conclusively, Hepatitis C Virus, HCV-associated HCC, and After HCC removal groups had an increase in liver function enzymes, decrease in albumin levels, and an increase in total bilirubin levels which indicate damage in the liver. Viral loads indicated in males infected higher than females are significantly increased in HCV patients, and a highly significant increase in HCV associated HCC patients.