Expert opinion on managing chronic HCV in patients with cardiovascular disease

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Sift through current research articles on the extrahepatic manifestations of hepatitis C, in particular an association between HCV and cardiovascular conditions.

Review

Expert opinion on managing chronic HCV in patients with cardiovascular disease

Cristina Vassalle1, Salvatore Petta2, Alessia Pepe3, Antonio Craxi2, Mark Bondin4, Patrice Cacoub

Abstract

Extrahepatic manifestations of chronic HCV infection include cardiovascular diseases and an increase in cardiovascular mortality. The pathogenic mechanisms by which HCV contributes to cardiovascular disease are not well defined, however, it is likely that systemic inflammation, and the promotion of other metabolic diseases are involved. In this Review, the evidence for HCV infection as a non-traditional risk factor for cardiovascular disease is evaluated. Furthermore, practical advice to evaluate cardiovascular disease risk and disease in chronic hepatitis C patients are included for help in daily clinical practice. Despite the advances in therapies for the treatment of HCV, there remains a need for increased awareness among specialists so that patients are more likely to obtain the treatment required to mitigate disease progression.

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Conclusions

HCV has a complex role in the atherosclerotic process, although the association between HCV and CVD has not been clearly defined. In particular, the biological significance of this association remains undefined. Thus, a pathogen resident in an atherosclerotic plaque may simply represent a ‘bystander’ rather than a ‘culprit’ or a diseased vessel may simply be more vulnerable to pathogens, including HCV. In any case, it would be superficial to consider as irrelevant a hypothesis that is reinforced by multiple lines of evidence, and by the involvement of systemic inflammation and the autoimmune response, which are both critical in HCV infection and atherosclerosis.

Currently, HCV-infected patients are not generally recognized as a high priority for cardiovascular assessment and/or treatment owing to the lack of definitive conclusions on the role of HCV in CVD. In view of present available evidence, it is important that clinicians begin to consider HCV as a non-traditional risk factor for CVD. Evidence of a beneficial effect of SVR after antiviral treatment on cardiovascular risk is encouraging, especially with the introduction of new IFN-free combinations that are more effective and better tolerated than IFN-based therapies. In this context, from a pathophysiological point of view, the observation that some patients with chronic HCV infection remained free of atherosclerosis, while others develop extensive disease, represents a challenging point that merits further investigation. Thus, it remains crucial for clinicians to consider their patients as a whole, and evaluate correlated factors and diseases that place the chronic HCV infection patient at risk for HCV-related extra-hepatic complications, including CVD. Specifically, it is critical for clinicians to recognize the multilevel dimensions of HCV disease and its natural history, in the attempt to optimize treatment, apply general guidelines, avoid adverse events and improve the quality of life for each patient. In this context, the assessment of additional factors and comorbidities (for example, steatosis, diabetes) or biomarkers (for example, inflammatory, lipids) might be helpful to eventually identify subgroups of patients at higher risk of developing atherosclerosis.

It is conceivable that all patients with chronic HCV infection would benefit from a detailed assessment of their cardiovascular status, whereas patients with CVD would benefit from the screening for HCV and other HCV-related parameters. In this scenario, a close collaboration between hepatologists and cardiologists is also desirable to correctly interpret patient-specific data and make the best recommendation for each patient.

Full-Text: https://www.intmedpress.com/journals/avt/article.cfm?id=3248&pid=88&sType=AVT