Influence of Antiviral Therapy on Bone Mineral Density and Metabolism in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C
Influence of Antiviral Therapy on Bone Mineral Density and Metabolism in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis C
One single study has suggested that bone mineral density (BMD) is reduced in patients with
 non-cirrhotic chronic viral hepatitis C. Antiviral combination therapy with standard
 interferon and ribavirin may further decrease BMD. The aim of this study is to systematically
 investigate the effect of chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 infection alone and current standard
 therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a/ribavirin on BMD and bone metabolism.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  proven chronic hepatitis C

 -  aged between 18 and 65

 -  male patients

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  high grade liver fibrosis (Grade 3 - 4)

 -  renal disease

 -  hyperparathyroidism

 -  hypogonadism

 -  malignant disease

 -  use of any other drug known to effect bone mineral metabolism

 -  use of alcohol

 -  organ transplant

 -  any form of thyroid disease

 -  any medical condition known to be associated with bone loss