Hepatic Encephalopathy in HCV-related Liver Cirrhosis and Serum 25-Hydroxy Vitamin D (25-OHD) in Elderly.

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.

2 Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Alexandria, Alexandria, Egypt.

Abstract

Background: Cirrhosis is the most advanced form of chronic liver disease. During the transition from the compensation phase to the decompensation period, numerous complications and a substantial decrease in life expectancy occur. Cirrhosis is mostly brought on by HCV infection 93% of the time in the world. Chronic hepatitis C was found to be much more common in those over 65, and 14% of the elderly developed liver cirrhosis. Hepatic encephalopathy (HE), a disorder of the brain brought on by underlying liver disease and portal hypertension, is an important decompensating process in cirrhosis of the liver. A recent study showed a shortage of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) as one of the risk factors for the development of HE. Objective: The present research is focused on investigating the relationship between serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) and hepatic encephalopathy (HE) in individuals with liver cirrhosis due to HCV.
Subjects and methods: Eighty patients with liver cirrhosis brought on by HCV and aged 65 or older participated in the study. They were split into two groups: Group 1:Cirrhotic patients due to HCV including HE. Group 2:Cirrhotic patients due to HCV but no HE is included. Serum 25-OH vitamin D levels in both groups were evaluated.
Results: Vitamin D among group I varied from 3.0 – 42.0 with S.D of 10.68±7.43.vitamin-D among group II varied from 3.0 – 75.0 with S.D 13.03±10.85. Despite there being a S.D. difference, the data indicated a lack of statistical significance among the two research groups.
Conclusion: Between-group I (cases) and group II (control), the serum level of 25-OH vitamin D did not differ statistically remarkably.

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