Hepatitis C virus infection with peripheral neuropathy is not always associated with cryoglobulinaemia.
OBJECTIVE
To describe cases of peripheral neuropathy associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection without mixed cryoglobulinaemia.


METHODS
Four cases of peripheral neuropathy associated with chronic hepatitis C virus infection with persistent negativity of mixed cryoglobulinaemia were found.


RESULTS
All patients had small increases of transaminase levels and a positive viraemia. Liver biopsy showed chronic active hepatitis in all but one case (Knodell 4-9, Metavir A0F0-A3F3). Neuromuscular biopsy showed axonal neuropathy associated with lymphoid infiltrates around small vessels in two cases. Rheumatoid factor was always negative and C4 complement level was always normal. In three patients, neuropathy improved with interferon alpha, interferon alpha + ursodesoxycholic acid, or steroids + plasma exchange.


CONCLUSIONS
Peripheral neuropathy may be associated with hepatitis C virus infection without mixed cryoglobulinaemia.
Lidove
O
O
Department of Internal Medicine, Hôpital Foch, 40 Rue Worth, 92151 Suresnes Cedex, Paris, France.
Cacoub
P
P
Maisonobe
T
T
Servan
J
J
Thibault
V
V
Piette
J C
JC
Léger
J M
JM
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001706:Biopsy; D003449:Cryoglobulinemia / Q000150:complications*; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D007370:Interferon Type I / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D007370:Interferon Type I; D011994:Recombinant Proteins