Prof. Mohamed Abd Elmohsen mahdy :: Publications:

Background/aim: Chronic hepatitis C virus infection (CHC) has been reported in association with several extrahepatic manifestations, including pulmonary abnormalities. The aim of this study was to elucidate the association of CHC with interstitial pulmonary involvement and its impact on pulmonary functional and radiological changes. Also to evaluate the CHC effect on pulmonary function tests (PFTs) of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or bronchial asthma. Patients/Methods: Hundred patients were divided into 3 groups, (GI): Thirty patients proved to be CHCt for each patient PFTs, liver biopsy & highresolution CT (HRCT) of chest were done, and its scores were calculated. (G2): Forty patients with COPD were subdivided into 4 subgroups (10 for each), (A & B): HCV-ve nonand current-smokers, (C & D): HCV+ve non- and current-smokers, respectively. For each patient Forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and Diffusion capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLco) were followed up for 3 years. (G3): Thirty patients with bronchial asthma (17 HCV-ve and 13 HCV+ve), FEV1 was measured before and after bron-chodilator (salbutamol) and followed up for 3 years. Results: G 1: Abnormal ventilatory functions and HRCT positive finding were found in 10(33.3%) and 17(56.7%) of cases respectively. There was significant correlation for Metavir stage (F) with FEV1/FVC (Forced vital capacity) & HRCT score (p value