sodium-ethylxanthate and Hepatitis-C

We performed a case-control study to evaluate the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A total of 305 newly diagnosed HCC cases (80% males) and 610 subjects (81% males) unaffected by clinically evident hepatic disease admitted to the 2 main hospitals in Brescia, North Italy, were recruited as cases and controls, respectively. Among the 122 HCC cases positive for HCV RNA, genotype 1b was found in 83 patients (68%), genotype 2 in 36 (29.5%) and genotype 1a in 3 (2.5%). Among the controls, 15 were infected with genotype 1b and 15 with type 2. Analysis of HCV envelope 1 nucleotide sequence among 25 cases and 8 controls infected with genotype 2 showed subtype 2c in 96% of cases and in all controls, and subtype 2a in 1 HCC case. The odds ratio (OR) for HCV RNA positivity adjusted for hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers and alcohol intake was 26.3 [95% confidence interval (CI): 15.8-44], and it was higher for genotype 1b (OR = 34.2) than type 2 (OR = 14.4). The OR for HCV RNA was 35.6 (95% CI: 14.5-87.1) when the HBV markers were all negative and 132 (15.3-890) when HBsAg positivity was present; the OR was 26.1 (95% CI: 12.6-54.0) among subjects with alcohol intake of 0-40 g/day and increased to 62.6 (23.3-168) and 126 (42.8-373) with an alcohol intake of 41-80 and >80 g/day, respectively. In conclusion, synergism was found between HCV infection and HBV infection and alcohol intake in causing HCC.

Topics: Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Alcohol Drinking; Antibodies, Viral; Antigens, Viral; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular; Case-Control Studies; Female; Genotype; Hepacivirus; Hepatitis B; Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C; Humans; Liver Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Risk Factors; RNA, Viral; Seroepidemiologic Studies; Sex

Currently available tests for infection with the hepatitis C virus detect the presence of antibodies against the virus. The value of these tests is limited, however, because the appearance of antibodies may be delayed and because there is a significant rate of false-positive results. Supplementary tests now being developed should greatly facilitate diagnosis of hepatitis C. Patients with chronic liver disease due to the hepatitis C virus can be treated with interferon alfa-2b (Intron A). This treatment should also be considered for patients with markedly elevated transaminase levels, evidence of significant histologic injury, or symptoms referable to the liver.

Topics: Chronic Disease; False Positive Reactions; Hepatitis C; Humans; Interferon alpha-2; Interferon-alpha; Male; Recombinant Proteins; Sex; Transaminases; Transfusion Reaction