Hepatitis C and neutropenia.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review describes the pathogenesis and therapeutic implications of neutropenia in patients with hepatitis C.

RECENT FINDINGS: Mild-to-moderate neutropenia is increasingly recognized as the hepatitis C population has caused increased cirrhosis. Multiple mechanisms for the neutropenia have been postulated, with recent evidence pointing toward a combination of hypersplenism, autoimmunity, and direct viral infection of bone marrow cells. Advances in antiviral therapy are associated with worsened neutropenia and dose modification. Severe neutropenia is underreported and is generally not associated with increased rates of infection.

SUMMARY: Although neutropenia is common in hepatitis C patients it generally has a benign course and may not prohibit antiviral therapy.