Korean J Gastroenterol.  2000 Jan;35(1):82-92.

The Role of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the Development of Hepatitis C Virus-related Hepatocellular Carcinoma

• Hong HJ
• Kwag JY
• Lee YW
• Lee SW
• Lee EJ
• Cho JA
• Jung SH
• Han CJ
• Kim YC
• Kim CM
• Lee JO

Abstract

BACKGROUND/AIMS
Korea is an endemic area of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. The routes of HBV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are similar. The purposes of this study were to evaluate the effect of HBV infection on the development of anti-HCV-positive hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to study the pattern of viral interaction in the patients with dual infection of HBV and HCV. METHODS: One hundred thirty-seven consecutive anti-HCV-positive patients were divided into two groups: HCC group (N=58) and Non-HCC group (N=79). Various clinical, serological parameters and viral replicative status reflecting serum HBV DNA and HCV RNA positivity were compared between two groups.
RESULTS
According to multiple logistic regression analysis, male and positivity of HCV RNA, HBsAg, and HBV DNA were statistically significant variables associated with the development of HCC. The mean age at the diagnosis of HCC in the patients with dual infection was significantly younger than that of patients with HCV alone. Among 13 patients with dual infection, one third showed co-replication of HBV and HCV, but two thirds revealed only one viral replication. CONCLUSIONS: HBV infection seems to increase the risk of HCC in the anti-HCV-positive patients. To elucidate the complex profiles of viral interaction between HBV and HCV, further study may be needed.

Keyword

Hepatocellular carcinoma; Hepatitis C virus; Hepatitis B virus; Dual infection

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular*
Diagnosis
DNA
Hepacivirus
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
Hepatitis B virus*
Hepatitis B*
Hepatitis C*
Hepatitis*
Humans
Korea
Logistic Models
Male
RNA
DNA
Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
RNA