Risk of lymphoma in patients with chronic hepatitis C: A retrospective analysis on East Harlem population.

e12526 Background: The association between chronic hepatitis C (HCV) and lymphoma, especially non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), has been conflicting, varies among different geographical regions, and its prevalence has been calculated to be 10-15%. It is postulated that HCV may produce a sustained stimulation of B-cells, providing a rationale for a potential association between this virus and NHL. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of NHL on HCV patients in a population subgroup of New York City. Methods: IRB approved retrospective study of adult patients with HCV seen at our Institution from January 2001 to July 2006 with at least one year of follow-up. HCV serology data were collected. Pathology reports were reviewed. Patients on chronic immunosuppressive therapy, previous oncologic treatment, autoimmune disease or HIV with CD4 count <200/mm3 for two years were excluded. Results: 510 patients were included, 3 of which (0.6%) developed NHL after the HCV diagnosis. NHL subtypes were marginal zone and diffuse large B-cell (2 patients). 354(69.4%) were men and median age was 58 years (29-96). Ethnicity distribution was Hispanic 303(59.4%), Black 150(29.4%), Caucasian 49(9.6%) and Asian 8(1.6%). Risks for viral hepatitis were IV drugs 393(77%), not identified 92(18%) and 25(5%) had others factors including hemodialysis, sex and blood transfusion. 504(98.8%) patients had positive HCV antibodies, 6(1.2%) with only positive PCR and 402(78.8%) with both positive. HCV-PCR was not performed in 102(20%) subjects with positive antibodies. Hepatitis B surface antigen was also positive in 7(1.3%) patients. Median follow-up was 72 months (12-468) with an interquartile range of 68.8, 181(35.6%) patients were alive, 90(17.6%) had died and 239(46.8%) were not seen for 2 or more years. The margin of error of the study was 0.04(4%). Conclusions: The prevalence of NHL in our population was 0.6% and is lower than current published data. This finding may be explained by the high prevalence of Hispanics in our study and their known lower incidence of lymphoma respect to Caucasians. Longer periods of follow-up and further investigations in environmental and genetic factors are necessary to confirm these results.