Hepatitis C infection is associated with increased coronary artery atherosclerosis defined by modified Reardon severity score system.

BACKGROUND

The link between arteriosclerotic disease in the carotid or coronary artery and chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has been shown in some studies although other studies have produced contrary results. However, the effect of chronic HCV infection on the extension or severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) has not been determined so the aim of the present study was to determine the effect of HCV infection on the severity of CAD.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The study group comprised 139 HCV seropositive and 225 HCV seronegative patients with angiographically documented CAD. A modified scoring system of Reardon et al was used. There were no significant differences between groups in terms of sex, age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking or family history. Levels of C-reactive protein and fibrinogen were significantly higher in the HCV seropositive group (p<0.001) and the Reardon severity score was higher (8.75+/-1.69 vs 6.01+/-1.80, p<0.001). After adjustment, HCV seropositivity still represented an independent predictor for severity of coronary atherosclerosis demonstrated by higher Reardon severity score with an odds ratio of 2.018 (95% confidence interval 1.575-2.579, p<0.001).

CONCLUSION

HCV infection is an independent predictor for increased coronary atherosclerosis, as demonstrated by higher Reardon severity score.