HCV infection: Extrahepatic manifestations of infection and treatment options

Abstract

Currently, there is no doubt that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a systemic disease affecting not only the liver but also a range of other organs - extrahepatic manifestations (EHMs). Extrahepatic manifestations usually occur concurrently with liver disease, primarily have an immunological basis, and/or are a consequence of the direct impact of HCV on virtually all organs. The scope of the problem is significant; it has been shown that 30-40% of HCV-infected individuals are affected, which aligns with our own observations. Viral elimination (either spontaneous HCV clearance or as a result of pharmacotherapy) is crucial for the patient's prognosis, both in terms of liver disease and EHM. Achieving a sustained virological response (SVR) only in many cases of EHMs is associated with remission of clinical symptoms of EHMs.

Keywords: HCV; liver; mixed cryoglobulinemia.