Correlation of hepatitis C genotype with HCV-RNA, RBC-related parameters, and blood platelet count.

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to clarify the correlation of hepatitis C genotype with hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA, red blood cell (RBC)-related parameters (i.e., RBC count, hemoglobin concentration [HGB], mean corpuscular volume, RBC distribution width-standard deviation, RBC distribution width-coefficient of variability) and blood platelet (PLT) count, providing a reference basis to clinicians for diagnosing and treating hepatitis C.

METHODS

Hepatitis C genotyping, RBC-related parameters, PLT count, hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid (HCV-RNA) logarithmic values (lg) and HCV antibodies (anti-HCV; ratio of the measured value to the critical value [S/CO]) were detected in 168 patients with chronic hepatitis C.

RESULTS

Compared with the non-type I group, differences were found in HCV-RNA (lg) and anti-HCV in the type I group (P < .05). Compared with the negative group, significant differences were noted in anti-HCV (S/CO) in the type I and non-type I groups (P < .01). The RBC count and HGB of the type I group were significantly lower than those of the non-type I and negative groups. The PLT count of the 3 groups increased sequentially, with all groups exhibiting significant differences (P < .05). HCV-RNA (lg) was significantly negatively correlated with RBC count, HGB and PLT count (P < .05). The analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve and its area under the curve indicates that RBC count, HGB, mean corpuscular volume reciprocal and PLT count exhibit certain clinical reference value for determining whether HCVs are replicating.

CONCLUSION

Clinicians should closely monitor changes in blood cell-related indicators before and after antiviral treatment and then develop personalized treatment plans for patients.