RESUMO
The prevalence of HCV infection varies throughout the world, with the highest number of infections reported in Egypt. Chronic HCV infection has been associated with several extrahepatic manifestations and many studies reported that chronic HCV infection might accelerate decline in lung function in patients who already have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD]. This study aimed to find if there is a specific pathology in the airways of HCV positive patients for the possible contribution of HCV infection to the pathogenesis of COPD. This study was conducted on 40 patients [33 males and 7 females] with COPD that include chronic bronchitis and emphysaema. Another 20 patients [16 males and 4 females] infected with HCV were taken as a control group with no history of respiratory problems. This study showed that 11 out of the 40 cases with COPD were HCV positive by PCR [27.5%], and found a significant statistical differences between HCV positive cases and HCV negative cases as regards the neutrophilic and lymphocytic infiltrations in both the biopsy and the broncho-alvular lavage [BAL]. Also, we found a significant decrease in pulmonary function tests FEY I and peaked expiratory flow rate [PEFR] and a non-significant decrease in forced vital capacity [FVC] and FEV 1/FVC in HCV positive cases in comparison to HCV negative cases. The HCV was detected in the bronchial biopsy of 4 out of these 11 cases, and the BAL of 2 of them
In conclusion: These findings suggest that the HCV infection may affect the pathology and pathogenesis in these patients and may accelerate decline in lung function in patients who already have COPD