Effect of Hepatitis C Virus on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/aj87g894Keywords:
Hepatitis C virus, Hematological parameters, Liver enzymes, Albumin, Thrombocytopenia, PakistanAbstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a major global health burden, causing chronic hepatic injury and systemic complications. Beyond hepatocellular disease, hematological and biochemical abnormalities contribute to morbidity, affect prognosis, and complicate antiviral therapy. Evidence from high-burden regions such as Pakistan is limited, despite disproportionately high prevalence rates. Objective: To evaluate the impact of chronic HCV infection on hematological and biochemical parameters in comparison with age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from January to March 2025, including 160 participants: 80 HCV-positive patients diagnosed by PCR and 80 healthy controls. Exclusion criteria included co-infections, renal disease, hematological disorders, malignancy, and antiviral therapy. Hematological indices (hemoglobin, RBC, WBC, platelets) and biochemical parameters (ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin, albumin, urea, creatinine) were measured using automated analyzers. Data were analyzed with Student’s t-test; results were expressed as mean ± SD, mean differences with 95% confidence intervals, and p-values. Results: HCV patients demonstrated significantly lower hemoglobin (–2.3 g/dL), WBC (–1.7 ×10⁹/L), and platelets (–100 ×10⁹/L) compared with controls (p<0.001). Liver enzymes (ALT +56.7 U/L; AST +52.8 U/L; ALP +75.5 U/L) and bilirubin (+1.3 mg/dL) were elevated, while albumin was markedly reduced (–1.3 g/dL) (p<0.001). Renal parameters showed no significant differences. Conclusion: Chronic HCV is associated with clinically significant cytopenias and hepatic biochemical derangements, particularly thrombocytopenia and hypoalbuminemia, underscoring their diagnostic and prognostic value in routine monitoring.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Zainab Yousaf, Naeem Abbas, Hifza Shahid, Eesha Tariq Bhatty, Muhammad Waseem, Shamaila Rashid (Author)
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