Liver dynamics of HCV infection amongst patients aged 50 years or older visiting a larger tertiary care centre of Hyderabad, Pakistan

Abstract

Introduction: Usually chronic infection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is asymptomatic until present as acute hepatitis, acute liver failure or development of cirrhosis with decompensation. New era of Direct-acting antiviral (DAAs) for HCV has evolved the treatment with good result and tolerability. Early diagnosis and treatment can halt the further disease progression. Methodology: In this cross sectional study, all the patients with HCV positive either acute or chronic hepatitis infection, cirrhoisis with or without decompensation , aged 50 year or above, of either gender, presenting in the outpatient department (OPD) were included. Results: A total of 281 patients were enrolled during the study period. Mean age of the study population was 56.91±7.21years (range: 50–90years) and majority were male (51.6%) and with Child class A 136 (48.4%) followed by child class B 96(34.2%). Majority of patients presented as decompensated cirrhosis and raised transamines 160 (56.9%). Most common complication was variceal bleed 95 (33.8%) followed by ascities 88 (31.3%), pedal edema24 (8.5%). More than half of the patients were not eligible for treatment. Correlation between age and gender with liver stage and comorbids was statically significant (p=0.001). Conclusion: Late diagnosis present with complication with least options of treatment. Chronic hepatitis C is curable disease and should be diagnosed as early as possible. There should be screening at younger age.