How does liver damage occur in hepatitis?
When the hepatitis virus infects the liver, it triggers the human immune system, leading to hepatitis. Over time, long-term inflammation may cause scarring. Severe scarring of the liver is called cirrhosis. When the liver becomes cirrhotic, it fails to perform its normal functions, which can lead to serious complications and may result in death.
How is the hepatitis virus spread?
The hepatitis virus is spread largely through exposure to infected blood. The most common route of transmission is shared needles among illicit drug users. The virus is also transmitted through needle-stick injuries sustained by healthcare workers. Hepatitis virus can also be transmitted from mother to fetus. In a small number of cases, the virus is transmitted through sexual contact. Finally, there have been some outbreaks of hepatitis C when devices or sharp instruments were reused without proper cleaning between patients.
How do rheumatologic diseases associated with hepatitis spread?
Rheumatologic disorders associated with hepatitis affect individuals infected with the hepatitis virus of all ages, races, and genders. Rheumatologic disorders and hepatitis C virus infection are prevalent in the Middle East and share many clinical and immunological features, which poses diagnostic difficulties.
What are the symptoms of rheumatologic diseases associated with hepatitis?
Multiple joint pain or swelling (arthritis) is the most common rheumatologic manifestation (35%) in cases, followed by skin lesions (rash, cutaneous vasculitis) (15%). Kidney disease (glomerulonephritis) is also uncommon. Two disease subgroups have been identified:
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Involvement of several joints, including small joints, resembling rheumatoid arthritis, but symptoms are usually milder.
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Involvement of a single joint or few joints that follow an intermittent course. These symptoms are often associated with the presence of cryoglobulins in the blood serum.
Do I need blood tests?
Among the abnormal immunological findings are serum rheumatoid factor, cryoglobulins, and one or more autoimmune antibodies, which are useful for diagnosing the disease. Hepatitis C virus RNA testing is used to determine viral activity.
