TITLE: Chronic hepatitis C and skin diseases: a review.

OBJECTIVE: To emphasize the ongoing role of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the cause or exacerbation of severe dermatologic disorders.

DESIGN: We present two case reports to outline the pertinent findings in hepatitis C-related cryoglobulinemia, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and lichen planus and discuss the main disorders associated with chronic HCV infection.

RESULTS: Chronic HCV infection has recently been recognized in association with various skin disorders. The most commonly reported association is the triad of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, cryoglobulinemia, and chronic HCV infection. Other cutaneous disorders associated with HCV infection include porphyria cutanea tarda, lichen planus, erythema nodosum, urticaria, erythema multiforme, and polyarteritis nodosa.

CONCLUSION: Patients with onset or exacerbation of these disorders should undergo assessment for HCV infection.

AUTHOR: Daoud MS, Gibson LE, Daoud S, el-Azhary RA, Department of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic Rochester, Minnesota 55905, USA.; SOURCE: Mayo Clin Proc 1995 Jun;70(6):559-64

Hep C and Fatty Liver Disease Linked
Pittsburgh researchers have found an enzyme known to participate in fat production is elevated in those with Hepatitis C. Further exploration of this enzyme could help physicians better predict which HCV patients are at risk of developing fatty liver disease....

Anadys' ANA773 Hepatitis C Phase I Trials in Netherlands
Reducing the dosing schedule in half, Anadys Pharmaceuticals continues its investigation of ANA773, a Toll-Like Receptor-7 agonist prodrug. Approaching the Hepatitis C virus differently from most other contenders, Phase I clinical trials evaluating the safety, tolerability and viral-load decline associated...

Popular Illegal Drug Extra Harmful with HCV
Scientists have found a popular street drug worsens Hepatitis C infection in two worrisome ways....