Key result
Chronic HCV infection was associated with abnormal pulmonary function tests in 76.5% of patients (P=0.03), and co-existing chest disease reduced the response to interferon therapy.
Why the study?
Does chronic HCV infection affect pulmonary function, and what is the role of interferon gamma and alpha-1-antitrypsin?
Cross-Sectional (n=134)
Does chronic HCV infection affect pulmonary function, and what is the role of interferon gamma and alpha-1-antitrypsin?
p-value: p=0.03
Chronic HCV infection is associated with pulmonary dysfunction, and interferon treatment may improve pulmonary functions in these patients.
Pulmonary evaluation may be considered in chronic HCV; leaves open causal links and interferon effects on lung function.
Objectives: To study lung diseases in chronic HCV infection and vice versa and to find immunological and/or hereditary interrelating factors. Material and Methods: Study included 134 individuals, all were subjected to screening for anti-HCV antibodies by ELISA, HCV-RNA by real time PCR, pulmonary function tests, quantitative assay of interferon gamma and alpha-1- antitrypsin in serum by ELISA and genotyping of alpha-1- antitrypsin gene by Light Cycler PCR. Results: 76.5% of chronic HCV patients had abnormal PFT (P = 0.03), mainly reduced DLCO and reversible airway obstruction, and 41.6% of chest diseased patients were HCV-positive with a significant decrease in large and small airways functions. Interferon therapy improved PFT parameters. Only 33% of chronic HCV infection affected by chest abnormality responded to interferon therapy while 50% of chest free patients did. Serum IFN-γ was higher in HCV and chest patients than in control (P=0.02). All serum α1AT deficient patients had M/null genotype. Conclusions: A pathogenic role of chronic HCV infection in lung diseases is evident. Interferon treatment may reduce chest complications and improve pulmonary functions. However, chest affection may reduce the response to interferon treatment. M/null genotype of α1AT gene might play a role in chronic HCV infection and chest co-affection.
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Nada Ezzeldin (2014) conducted a cross-sectional in Chronic HCV infection and pulmonary disorders (n=134). Chronic HCV infection vs. Individuals without HCV / healthy controls was evaluated on Abnormal pulmonary function tests (PFT) (p=0.03). Chronic HCV infection was associated with abnormal pulmonary function tests in 76.5% of patients (P=0.03), and co-existing chest disease reduced the response to interferon therapy.
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