Abstract
IntroductionEven though the liver is the main targeted organ in hepatitis C, the manifestations of the disease are not limited to hepatic involvement. Other tissue types are often involved as well. Hepatitis C has dermatological and mucocutaneous manifestations.MethodsThis study was conducted from May 2016 to April 2017 in the gastroenterology unit of Ghulam Muhammad Mahar Medical College, Sukkur, Sindh, Pakistan. All participants with a clinical diagnosis of hepatitis C with cutaneous manifestations were included in the study after securing informed consent. Demographic data and detailed cutaneous examination results with full morphological descriptions were recorded in patient-completed questionnaires.ResultsOf the 212 participants, 141 (66.6%) were males and 71 (33.4%) were females. The mean age was 32 (±9) years (range: 17-58 years). The most common cutaneous manifestation was pruritus (33.96%), followed by lichen planus (LP) (23.5%).ConclusionPhysicians should try to recognize extrahepatic manifestations of a hepatitis C infection as it may help in early diagnosis efforts. While managing hepatitis C, we recommend a multidisciplinary approach to tackle cutaneous and other extrahepatic manifestations.
Highlights
ObjectivesWe aim to determine the frequency of cutaneous manifestations of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection
Even though the liver is the main targeted organ in hepatitis C, the manifestations of the disease are not limited to hepatic involvement
This initiates a broad-based immunological response causing monoclonal and polyclonal expansion of B cells and T cells [7]. These massive immune responses against self-antigens are a major cause of extrahepatic manifestations including cutaneous infections. Another possible explanation for cutaneous manifestations of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the pathogenic mimicry of HCV particles found in many damaged tissues, including oral lichen planus (LP) lesions
Summary
We aim to determine the frequency of cutaneous manifestations of HCV infection
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