[The influence of HCV infection and immunomodulating therapy (interferon-alpha and ribavirin) on the condition of minor salivary glands and oral mucosa].

The aim of the study was to determine an influence of HCV infection and combination therapy with interferon - alpha and ribavirin on the condition of oral mucosa and minor salivary glands in patients with chronic hepatitis C in comparison to subjects without liver pathology on 12-month follow-up. Patients with chronic hepatitis C more commonly develop pathological changes on the oral mucosa than patients without liver pathology. Combination therapy affects the amount of pathological lesions in the oral cavity of patients suffering from chronic hepatitis C and B. The occurrence of oral lichen planus on the oral mucosa may be associated with chronic hepatitis C as well as with concomitant alpha-interferon and antiviral therapy.