[Serum iron parameters in chronic hepatitis C patients and comparison of the results before and during antiviral treatment].
OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was assess serum iron parameters in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) in comparison with control group and evaluate the influence of antiviral treatment on these results.


METHODS
Adults with confirmed CHC (n=84) and 30 healthy individuals, were included. In all serum iron and ferritin concentration, transferrin saturation (TSAT) and total iron binding capacity (TIBC) were examined. In 25 cases treated with IFN ribavirin tests were repeated between 6-8 month of the therapy.


RESULTS
We found significant differences in ferritin concentrations in CHC patients. The mean serum iron concentration was higher in patients above 40 years old (p<0.05). In the cases with ALT activity above 2.5 times the normal range we found higher ferritin concentration (p<0.05). An increase in the serum markers of iron metabolism was more frequently found in subjects with fibrosis (S3-S4) but the differences among groups were not statistically significant. The results of serum iron parameters during antiviral treatment were lower than before therapy but statistical significance was found only in ferritin concentration in woman.


CONCLUSIONS
Elevated serum iron, ferritin levels and iron transferrin saturations in subjects with chronic hepatitis C has been noted nearly in a half of examined patients. Statistically significant differences were found in iron and ferritin concentrations. Antiviral treatment did not radically change the serum markers of iron metabolism.
Bolewska
Beata
B
Klinika Chorób Zakaźnych Akademii Medycznej w Poznaniu. bbolewska@wp.pl
Wojtacha
Anna
A
Juszczyk
Jacek
J
Przedwojewski
Mirosław
M
D000328:Adult; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000494:pharmacology; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012254:Ribavirin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014168:Transferrin / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*
D000998:Antiviral Agents; D014168:Transferrin; D012254:Ribavirin; D005293:Ferritins; D007501:Iron