Human platelet antigen-3 polymorphism as a risk factor for rheumatological manifestations in hepatitis C

Abstract INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is involved in the pathogenesis of autoimmune and rheumatic disorders. Although the human platelet antigens (HPA) polymorphism are associated with HCV persistence, they have not been investigated in rheumatological manifestations (RM). This study focused on verifying associations between allele and genotype HPA and RM in patients with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: Patients (159) with chronic hepatitis C of both genders were analyzed. RESULTS: Women showed association between HPA-3 polymorphisms and RM. CONCLUSIONS: An unprecedented strong association between rheumatological manifestations and HPA-3 polymorphism, possibly predisposing women to complications during the disease course, was observed.

Hansen’s Arthritis: An Overlooked Entity.

Leprosy, a chronic granulomatous infection caused by Mycobacterium leprae, classically presents with cutaneous and neurological manifestations. Musculoskeletal involvement, though third most common presentation, is underdiagnosed and underreported. It may manifest in the form of Charcot’s arthropathy, acute symmetrical polyarthritis or swollen hands and feet syndrome during lepra reactions, insidious-onset chronic symmetrical polyarthritis mimicking rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or as isolated tenosynovitis or tenosynovitis associated with arthritis or neuropathy. At times, articular involvement may be the sole presenting manifestation even without cutaneous lesions. Other rheumatological manifestations occasionally reported are enthesitis, sacroiliitis, cryoglobulinemic vasculitis and DM. Delay in diagnosis and management may be detrimental and may result in deformities and loss of function. This case report aimed at presenting a comprehensive clinical scenario of various rheumatological manifestations of leprosy to sensitize rheumatologists and physicians across the continents.