Biochemical, virological and histopathological changes in Danish blood donors with antibodies to hepatitis C virus.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Previous studies have indicated that the presence of antibodies to Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is indicative of current HCV infection irrespective of S-alanine aminotransferase (S-ALT) values.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS:

Over three years, all confirmed anti-HCV-positive blood donors form the Blood Banks of Copenhagen County were consecutively evaluated. Seven women and 14 men with a median age of 34 years were included. Serum HCV-RNA was measured with an in-house developed single PCR. Liver biopsies were classified according to standard criteria.

RESULTS:

All were asymptomatic at presentation with no history of liver disease. Previous intravenous drug abuse and/or tattooing were identified in 16. Seventeen blood donors were evaluated biochemically and histologically. Serum HCV-RNA was detectable in 14, all of whom had histopathological changes in their liver biopsy including chronic active hepatitis and active cirrhosis. Twelve of the 14 HCV-RNA-positive donors had elevated S-ALT. In the three HCV-RNA-negative donors, S-ALT was normal. Two of these had normal liver biopsies, whereas the third had minimal changes.

CONCLUSION:

To diagnose and evaluate the activity of chronic HCV infection, liver biopsy and HCV-RNA assessment are essential in confirmed anti-HCV-positive individuals irrespective of symptoms and S-ALT levels.

• Authors: K E Grønbaek, O J Jensen, H B Krarup, O Dietrichson
• Journal: Danish medical bulletin (Dan Med Bull) Vol. 43 Issue 2 Pg. 186-8 (Apr 1996) ISSN: 0907-8916 [Print] Denmark
• PMID: 8741210 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Hepatitis C Antibodies
• RNA, Viral
• Alanine Transaminase

Topics

• Adult
• Alanine Transaminase (blood)
• Base Sequence
• Biopsy
• Blood Donors
• Evaluation Studies as Topic
• Female
• Hepacivirus (genetics)
• Hepatitis C (blood, enzymology, pathology)
• Hepatitis C Antibodies (blood)
• Humans
• Liver (cytology)
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Molecular Sequence Data
• Prospective Studies
• RNA, Viral (analysis)