Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the
most common and severe form of pulmonary fibrosis
characterized by gradual loss of pulmonary function.
Despite rigorous research, the etiology of IPF has remained
unknown. Viruses, for example, hepatitis C virus (HCV),
had been implicated in IPF etiology; however, data on the
prevalence of HCV infection in IPF patients were limited.
Aim of the study Our aims were to assess the prevalence
of HCV antibodies in IPF patients and to assess the
relationship between severity of pulmonary and hepatic
dysfunction.
Materials and methods IPF patients were prospectively
enrolled from Chest Department, Assiut University Hospital.
HCV antibodies were detected using the third-generation
enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Patients’ pulmonary
and hepatic functions were evaluated.
Results HCV antibodies were significantly higher in IPF
patients than in controls (29.4 vs. 14%, P= 0.04). Patients
with HCV had significantly more severe hypoxemia and
lower diffusing capacity for carbon monoxide than those
without HCV (47.7 ± 11.3 vs. 54 ± 18.7, P= 0.03 and
52.7 ± 8.4 vs. 67.3 ± 9.5, P= 0.01, respectively). There was
no significant difference between HCV-positive IPF patients
and HCV-negative IPF patients regarding spirometric
parameters and liver function parameters.
Conclusion This higher prevalence of HCV and its effect
on pulmonary functions in IPF patients may contribute
in IPF pathogenesis, which hopefully will allow currently
available antiviral drugs or novel therapeutic approaches to
treat or modify the course of this devastating disease.