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Home / Publications / Hepatitis C virus infection: ‘Beyond the liver’

Hepatitis C virus infection: ‘Beyond the liver’

  • Authors: Arrais de Castro R, Borges-Costa J, Tato Marinho R, Vilas P
  • Publication Year: 2018
  • Journal: BMJ Case Reports
  • Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30049677

There are rare reports of association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and dermatomyositis although cause and effect remains to be proven. We present a clinical case with a probable cause and effect association between these two entities. A 71-year-old woman developed an erythematous exanthem with pruritic and scaly lesions located at the torso and upper limbs associated with heliotrope and Gottron’s papules. At the same time, she notice a significant loss of muscular strength. Skin and muscular biopsies made the diagnosis of dermatomyositis and the patient started with prednisolone (60 mg/day) with poor symptoms control. Paraneoplastic syndrome, HIV, hepatitis B virus and syphilis infections were excluded. HCV serology was positive, with a viral load of 58 159 IU/mL (genotype 1a). Therefore, the patient underwent a 12-week treatment with grazoprevir 100 mg and elbasvir 50 mg achieving a sustained virological response with regression of skin lesions and complete recovery of muscular strength (photodocumented before/after treatment). Additionally it was possible to reduce prednisolone dosage to 5 mg/day.

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About GHTM

GHTM is a R&D Unit that brings together researchers with a track record in Tropical Medicine and International & Global Health. It aims at strengthening Portugal's role as a leading partner in the development and implementation of a global health research agenda. Our evidence-based interventions contribute to the promotion of equity in health and to improve the health of populations.

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