Study on Hepatitis C Virus and Liver Damage
Author Information
Author(s): Ijaz Bushra, Ahmad Waqar, Javed Fouzia T, Gull Sana, Sarwar Muhammad T, Kausar Humera, Asad Sultan, Jahan Shah, Khaliq Saba, Shahid Imran, Sumrin Aleena, Hassan Sajida
Primary Institution: Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Hypothesis
Is there a correlation between HCV genotypes, viral load, and clinical parameters in patients with hepatitis C?
Conclusion
Disease progression seems independent of the genotypes, but ALP and bilirubin levels may indicate disease progression in hepatitis C patients.
Supporting Evidence
- The most prevalent genotype was 3 (70.9%) followed by 1 (13.3%) and 4 (7.4%).
- Serum ALP, ALT, bilirubin, and viral load showed significant correlations with disease progression.
- Viral load had a negative association with serum bilirubin and ALP levels.
- Disease progression was independent of all genotypes except for genotype 4a.
Takeaway
This study looked at how different types of hepatitis C virus affect liver health. It found that the type of virus doesn't change how the disease gets worse, but certain blood tests can help predict it.
Methodology
A cross-sectional and observational study analyzing 6048 serum HCV RNA positive patients over 53 months.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the exclusion of patients unwilling to provide consent or follow-up.
Limitations
The study may not represent all demographics as it was conducted in specific hospitals in Pakistan.
Participant Demographics
50.7% male and 49.3% female, mean age 37.40 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.000
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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