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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Marco Carrozzo
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Morbidity associated with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can involve a variety of extrahepatic conditions, including lichen planus (LP) and sialadenitis, predominantly or exclusively involving the oral region, conditions which have been largely neglected in reviews. The literature suggests that HCV-infected patients may frequently have Sjogren-like sialadenitis with mild clinical symptoms, whereas oral LP may be significantly associated with HCV infections in Southern Europe and Japan but not in Northern Europe. These geographical differences could be related to immunogenetic factors such as the HLA-DR6 allele, significantly expressed in Italian patients with OLP and HCV. Analysis of experimental data suggests that HCV could be involved in the pathogenesis of both these diseases. Moreover, parotid lymphoma may arise in patients with sialadenitis, mainly with type II cryoglobulinemia. Little attention has been paid to oral health needs in HCV-infected patients and the variable effect of interferon-alpha therapy on oral tissues. Further research is needed, because of the potentially great influence of oral diseases possibly linked to HCV on the quality of life of millions of patients.
Author(s): Carrozzo M; Gandolfo S
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Critical Reviews in Oral Biology & Medicine
Year: 2003
Volume: 14
Issue: 2
Pages: 115-127
ISSN (print): 1045-4411
ISSN (electronic): 1544-1113
Publisher: International and American Associations for Dental Research
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/154411130301400205
DOI: 10.1177/154411130301400205
Notes: Journal Article Review
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