Biological Factors Affecting Thrombocytopenia In Hepatitis C Infected Patients. (28th October 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bhuyan, R; Tiburcio, J
• Is Part Of: American journal of clinical pathology. Volume 154(2020)Supplement 1
• Page Start: S113
• Page End: S113
• Publication Date: 2020-10-28
• Subjects: Diagnosis, Laboratory -- Periodicals; Pathology -- Periodicals; 616.07
• DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqaa161.247
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0002-9173

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction/Objective: Thrombocytopenia is one of the major extra-hepatic manifestations of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. There are numerous studies suggesting several pathophysiology mechanisms explaining the association of thrombocytopenia with HCV infection; however occasional presence of thrombocytopenia with normal liver function, or presence of significance hepatic damage with normal platelet count has not been well explained. Biological factors, such as ethnicity, age, smoking status and gender have been suggested as the probable causes, but not enough studies exist showing such predispositions. The goal of this study is to evaluate the association of degree of thrombocytopenia with liver function abnormalities in different ethnicity in HCV infected patients. Methods: Forty -five patients with thrombocytopenia and HCV infection were included. Data was collected on ALT level, ethnicity, platelet count, and liner regression study was performed. Clinical predictors included in the analysis were age, gender, liver fibrosis stage, smoking status and ALT level. Results: Severe thrombocytopenia (<80, 000) is associated with severity of liver function. Moderate and mild thrombocytopenia does not depend on liver function abnormalities. Moreover, there is an increases incidence of moderate and severe thrombocytopenia among Hispanics Latinas. Also, the incidence of mild thrombocytopenia (>110, 000/ µL) is not significantly different among people of different ethnicity infected with HCV. Results: Our study suggests that chronic HCV infection is associated with variable degree on thrombocytopenia., and only severe thrombocytopenia (platelet count < 80, 000/ µL) can be explained by liver function abnormalities. Conclusion: As liver disease advances, platelet count decreases only in patients with platelet count is below 80, 000 / µL and, it is more prominent in Hispanic/Latina population.