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All adult lupus patients need to be tested for hepatitis c

9/12/2020

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The interactions of hepatitis C and systemic lupus is strange, and hepatitis C can mimic lupus ... read on!
Drawing of an electron microscopic view of the hepatitis C virus
Hepatitis C is a virus that can attack the liver (called hepatitis) as well as numerous other organs of the body. Untreated hepatitis C infection can cause jaundice, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. However, the anti-viral drugs used to treat hepatitis C are miracle drugs, resulting in over 95% of infected individuals being cured with them.

The hepatitis C virus is most commonly transmitted through exposure to infected blood, most commonly by IV drug use, blood transfusions, and needles sticks. However, sexual contact, mother to fetus transmission, tattooing, and body piercing can also result in infections. The CDC recommends that all adults be tested for hepatitis C. In those with increased risk for infection (such as IV drug users), regular testing should be done. 

Drugs used to treat hepatitis C include: 
Glecaprevir, Grazoprevir, Paritaprevir, Simeprevir, Voxilaprevir, Daclatasvir, Elbasvir, Ledipasvir, Ombitasvir, Pibrentasvir, Velpatasvir, Sofosbuvir, and Dasabuvir. 

Hepatitis C can also cause the immune system to become overactive. Hepatitis C infection can look exactly like systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Hepatitis C infection can produce many of the same antibodies seen in SLE and cause many of the same problems, such as arthritis, rashes, vasculitis, kidney disease, and nerve problems. This is why rheumatologists usually test everyone that may have SLE for hepatitis C. Treating and curing the person of hepatitis C results in the lupus-like disease disappearing.

Since hepatitis C causes the immune system to become more active, if someone with SLE gets infected, their SLE can potentially become more active. Also, SLE patients have a higher chance of being infected with hepatitis C than the general population. This probably occurs due to their immune system, not being able to protect the person as well as it should. For unknown reasons, hepatitis B infections do not occur more commonly in SLE patients. All SLE adults should get tested for hepatitis C and undergo treatment if positive for an active infection. 

- Don Thomas, MD

​Reference: Mahroum N, Hejly A, Tiosano S, et al. Chronic hepatitis C viral infection among SLE patients: the significance of coexistence. Immunol Res. 2017;65(2):477-481. doi:10.1007/s12026-016-8886-7

Photo credit = Wikipedia and ​Blausen Medical Communications, Inc
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    Note that Dr. Thomas' posts are for informational purposes only, and are not meant to be specific medical advice for individuals. Always seek the advice of your healthcare provider with any questions regarding your own medical situation.

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The Lupus Encyclopedia is an authoritative compendium that provides detailed explanations of every body system potentially affected by the disease, along with practical advice about coping. People with lupus, their loved ones, caregivers, and medical professionals―all will find here an invaluable resource. Illustrated with photographs, diagrams, and tables, The Lupus Encyclopedia explains symptoms, diagnostic methods, medications and their potential side effects, and when to seek medical attention. Dr. Donald Thomas provides information for women who wish to become pregnant and advises readers about working with a disability, complementary and alternative medicine, infections, cancer, and a host of other topics.

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