POLYARTHRITIS ASSOCIATED WITH HEPATITIS C VIRUS INFECTION

Abstract
Two cases of polyarthritis associated with hepatitis C infection are reported. In Patient 1, stiffness and polyarthritis occurred during the acute stage of hepatitis. The arthritic symptoms lasted for 4 months. A transient polyarthritis recurred 4 yr later. The persistent presence of anti-hepatitis C viral antibodies was noted. Hepatitis C viral RNA (HCV RNA) was identified in the serum using the polymerase chain reaction proving that the patient was a carrier. In Patient 2, polyarthritis occurred associated with chronic hepatitis C liver disease. Synovial iopsy showed infiltration of mononuclear cells HCV RNA was demonstrated in both serum and SF. These cases suggest an aetiologic association between arthritis and hepatitis C antigenaemia.

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