EFFECT OF ALCOHOL-CONSUMPTION ON SERUM HEPATITIS-C VIRUS-RNA AND HISTOLOGICAL LESIONS IN CHRONIC HEPATITIS-C

The role of alcohol intake in the occurrence of severe liver disease i n chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers is still debated. A cross-s ectional study has been conducted in 233 chronic hepatitis C virus car riers. Weekly self-reported alcohol consumption (SRAC) was evaluated, serum HCV RNA levels were measured by a branched DNA technique (Quanti plex 2.0) and HCV genotypes were determined. A liver biopsy was perfor med simultaneously and liver lesions were graded with the Knodell hist ological activity index. Data were examined by uni-and multivariate an alyses. Alcohol consumption was relatively low (< 140 g/per week in 19 3/233 patients [80%]), We found a highly significant correlation betwe en SRAC and serum HCV RNA levels (r = .26, P = .001). Fibrosis was sig nificantly correlated with age and alcohol consumption. These results suggest that in HCV carriers, alcohol consumption, even with low alcoh ol intake, increases viremia and hepatic fibrosis. Chronic HCV carrier s should be advised to avoid regular alcohol intake.