C형 간염 환자에서 자가항체의 발현빈도 = Prevalence of Serological Markers of Autoimmunity in Patients with Hepatitis C Virus InfectionC형 간염 환자에서 자가항체의 발현빈도

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Background/Aims: Various extrahepatic immunologic manifestations was described in patients with hepatitis C virus infection. Among them, the prevalence of anti-tissue antibody have been reported suprisingly high and the presence of autoantibodies such as antinuclear antibody(ANA) and smooth muscle antibody(SMA) requires to differentiate autoimmune hepatitis from chronic hepatitis C. Furthermore these extrahepatic manifestations are triggered by interferon therapy. The presence of autoimmune phenomenon was evaluated in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Methods: Rheumatoid factor(RF), ANA, SMA, and antimitochondrial antibody(AMA) test were done on 43 patients. Six out of them had interferon therapy. Results: One or more of 4 autoan- tibodies were present in 28(65%) patients. RF was found in 7(16%), ANA in 23(53%), SMA in 10(23% ) and AMA in 1(2%). Thirteen with ANA, the fluorescent pattern was speckled in 5(38%), homogeneous in 2(15%), cytoplasmic in 2(l5%), and discrete speckled pattern in 4(31%). Significant proteinuria was not detected. Temporary hyperthyroidism was observed in one with anti- thyroglobulin antibody. In this case, anti-centromere antibody was also detected. Loss of HCV- RNA after interferon therapy was observed in 3 with autoantibody and 2 without autoantibody. Conclusions: The prevalence of anti-tissue antibody was high in patients with chronic hepatitis C. But, other extrahepatic manifestations were rarely observed. The response of interferon therapy was not affected by the presence of autoantibodies. (Korean J Gastroenterol 1997; 30:212-221)