Hepatitis C virus and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection has been associated with a number of autoimmune disease manifestations. Both HCV and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) may be manifested by autoantibody and immune complex formation, polyarthritis, hepatitis, and glomerulonephritis. In this case report, we describe a patient presenting contemporaneously with HCV infection, hepatitis, glomerulonephritis, and SLE. We report the effective control of some autoimmune responses in this patient by therapy with corticosteroids and cyclophosphamide, and we discuss the clinical dilemma of autoimmunity occurring in HCV infection and SLE. Patients with lupus-like illnesses presenting with risk factors for hepatitis, a history of hepatitis, or elevated serum transaminases should be screened for HCV infection.
Bronson
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Heartland Arthritis Treatment Center, St. Joseph, Missouri and the University of Mississippi Medical Center/Jackson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi.
McMurray
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RW