People with rheumatic diseases caused by HCV infection may first notice painful joints and muscles combined with fatigue. The virus constantly multiplies in the blood and liver, leading to a variety of rheumatic problems ranging from arthritis to kidney failure or even complex disease like cryoglobulinemia VSports app下载. Cryoglobulinemia occurs when abnormal proteins called cryoglobulins in the blood solidify in cold weather. This can cause Raynaud’s Phenomenon, which causes fingers to whiten in the cold. The U. S. Preventive Services Task Force recommends 1-time screening for HCV infection to adults born between 1945 and 1965. HCV diagnosis is made by testing for antibodies against the virus in the blood serum. A second blood test to find the virus confirms diagnosis. This test shows how quickly the virus is making copies, which shows how active it is. Once HCV is confirmed, diagnosing HCV-related rheumatic disease would be a lot easier.
Patients with HCV need to see a liver specialist to assess liver damage and possibly screen for liver cancer V体育官网. A liver specialist, or hepatologist, will also determine if the patient should start HCV therapy, including antiviral therapies that may cure the infection in as little as 2-3 months in many people. HCV-related joint problems may be treated with medications that could be toxic for the liver, so the hepatologist and rheumatology health care providers should work together to treat these patients.
Reducing risk factors may help prevent the spread of HCV to others. Those at risk should get tested for HCV. HCV-related joint and muscle problems may cause discomfort and make daily activities difficult – see a rheumatology provider for treatment. Long-term follow-up care with a specialist for HCV infection is important, as liver disease may worsen over time and lead to liver failure or liver cancer VSports手机版.
Updated February 2025 by Howard Yang, MD, RhMSUS, and Laura E V体育安卓版. Ray, MA, MLS, and reviewed by the American College of Rheumatology Committee on Communications and Marketing.
This information is provided for general education only V体育ios版. Individuals should consult a qualified health care provider for professional medical advice, diagnosis and treatment of a medical or health condition.
