Background and objectives- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease
worldwide, with majority of the patients being asymptomatic and when they present to clinicians, they
have already advanced liver disease in form of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Data from developing countries on this
evolving global health problem are sparse. Hence this study was planned with the aim to determine the HCV genotypes
prevalant in patients attending a tertiary care hospital with their clinical prole.
Materials and Methods- Detailed history taking and clinical examination were done of consecutive 30 patients who attended
out-patient department or admitted at in- patient department of Tropical Medicine with chronic hepatitis C. Laboratory
investigations like LFT, viral serology (HBsAg, AntiHCV, HIV), prothrombin time, ultrasonography of upper abdomen, HCV- RNA
Quantative assay with genotyping were done. Data were collected and then analysed using standard statistical methods.
Result- Of proposed 30 sample size, complete data could be collected of 28 patients and accordingly, analysis was done. Of the
28 HCV seroreactive individuals, majority (20) were males. The mode of transmission was unknown in 19 patients, blood
transfusion in 5 patients who were thalassemic and hemodialysis in remaining 4 patients. Most of the patients (18/28) were
asymptomatic even if their viral load was high. Most common presenting symptom was dyspepsia. LFT showed signicant
transaminitis in 50% of the patients. Of the 28 seroreactive patients, 15 (53.57%) were HCV RNA positive based on RT-PCR. HCV
rNA was below detectable level in 13 patients. HCV genotype 3 was the predominant genotype found in 11 individuals followed
by genotype 1 found in 3 and genotype 2 was seen in one individual.
Conclusion- Community screening specially among high risk individuals is needed for early diagnosis and prompt treatment
of chronic hepatitis C to prevent its several complications and also to prevent community spread.
Comparative study of coagulation profile in liver disease in tertiary care hospital
