Relationship between Chronic Hepatitis C Infection and Cardiovascular Calcification in Hemodialysis Patients

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

2 Cardiology, Faculty of Medicine for Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt

10.21608/aimj.2025.448596

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is frequent in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Cardiovascular complications, including atherosclerosis and vascular calcification, are common in HD patients, especially in HCV-seropositive patients.
Aim: To study the relationship between chronic hepatitis C infections and cardiovascular calcification in HD patients.
Patients and Methods This cross-sectional study involved 70 HD patients from Al-Santa Hospital and the HD unit of Al-Zahraa University Hospital, divided into two groups: 35 HCV-seropositive and 35 HCV-seronegative patients, all on regular HD for more than six months. All patients were subjected to full Laboratory investigations and Radiological investigations, including Carotid duplex U/S and Echocardiography.
Results: HCV seropositive hemodialysis patients exhibited a significantly higher frequency of cardiac calcification (37.1% vs. 11.4%, p<0.05) compared to HCV seronegative patients, while no significant difference was detected in EF m-mode (p>0.05). Additionally, there was a notable rise in CIMT and atheromatous plaque formation, along with a higher frequency of atheromatous plaque calcification in HCV seropositive patients (p<0.05). Right-sided atheromatous plaque formation was more common in both groups (34.3% vs. 11.4%), but no significant association was found between plaque site and PCR or Bone isomer ALP levels.
Conclusion: Chronic HCV infection in HD patients significantly elevated the possibility of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular calcification, highlighting the importance of monitoring HCV PCR and bone isomer ALP as predictive markers.

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