Rate of fibrosis progression in the hepatitis C virus patients in relation to alanine transaminase activity

ABSTRACT

In hepatitis c virus [HCV] patients, the progression rate of fibrosis in relation to the liver enzymes is unknown. The aim of this study was done to assess the progression rate of fibrosis and to compare HCV patient normal ALT liver enzyme with HCV patients with elevated ALT. Hislological lesions were stayed using the metavir score we defined fibrosis stage progression per year as the ratio of the fibrosis stage in metavir units to the duration of infection. 72-HCV patient were included in each group. In group I liver enzymes values were normal, and lower than in group II [ALT 24 vs. 140 I u/L; p < 0.0001]. HCV RNA was less frequently in-group I [66% vs.97%; p < .0001]. Histological activities were lower in group I [0.6 vs. 1.36; p< .0001]. The stage of fibrosis was lower in group I [0.95 vs .1.8; p < .001]. The mean progression rate of fibrosis was lower in group I [0.06 vs 0.14; p< .001] HCV patient with normal ALT showed weaker histological activity and lower fibrosis scores, and the progression rate of fibrosis was twice as slow as in HCV patient with elevated ALT