Characteristics of HCV infection in oncohematological patients

Objective: clinical and laboratory characteristics of HCV infection in patients with oncohematological malignancies. Materials and Methods: The study included 106 patients with a positive serum HCV antibody (anti-HCV) test result, who were examined or treated in 5 specialized oncohematological units of different hospitals in Saint Petersburg in 2018–2019. Laboratory tests included: ALT and AST activity, qualitative (with sensitivity of 60 IU/ml) and quantitative determination of HCV RNA, as well as HCV genotyping by real-time PCR. The presence and the grade of liver fibrosis according to the METAVIR scale were evaluated by indirect elastography on Fibroscan. Results: Men were predominant (62,2%), and most of patients (67%) were of young and middle age (18-59 years old). HCV infection was confirmed in 68% patients, and in 41.7% of them HCV genotype 3 was detected. HCV RNA was not detected in 32% cases, suggesting the spontaneous clearance of the virus. Severe liver fibrosis (F3) or cirrhosis (F4) were found in 40% patients with confirmed viremia. In most patients, the normal ALT activity level was registered. 86% patients diagnosed with HCV infection were followed up by an infectious disease specialist until the present study. 19% patients received antiviral therapy for HCV infection. Conclusion: A significant proportion of patients with advanced liver fibrosis and HCV 3 genotype, causing the greatest difficulties in antiviral treatment for HCV infection, was revealed. Prescription of direct-acting antiviral agents in the early terms after establishment of the diagnosis is reasonable.