Chronic Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the leading cause of liver failure and the need for liver transplant. The main way HCV spreads today is through sharing or using contaminated needles or equipment that is used to inject drugs HCV can cause hepatitis, or liver inflammation, but may also cause arthritis (joint inflammation, muscle pain and weakness, and blood vessel problems). People with HCV may have no symptoms and not know they’re infected. They may have related rheumatic diseases that occur before the virus is found. Almost any joint or muscle problem may be the result of HCV infection, which activates the immune system and keeps it continuously “turned on.” Anyone with newly diagnosed arthritis, cryoglobulinemia or HIV should be tested for HCV.

What Are the Signs/Symptoms?

People with rheumatic diseases caused by HCV infection may first notice painful joints and muscles combined with fatigue. The virus constantly multiplies in the blood and liver, leading to a variety of rheumatic problems ranging from arthritis to cryoglobulinemia to kidney failure. Cryoglobulinemia occurs when abnormal proteins called cryoglobulins in the blood solidify in cold weather. This can cause Raynaud’s phenomenon, which causes fingers to whiten in the cold. The USPSTF recommends 1-time screening for HCV infection to adults born between 1945 and 1965. HCV diagnosis is made by testing for antibodies against the virus in the blood serum. A second blood test to find the virus confirms diagnosis. This test shows how quickly the virus is making copies, which shows how active it is. Once HCV is confirmed, diagnosing HCV-related rheumatic disease is fairly straightforward.

What Are Common Treatments?

Patients with HCV need to see a liver specialist to assess liver damage and possibly screen for liver cancer. This doctor will also determine if the patient should start HCV therapy, including interferon-free therapies that may cure the infection in as little as 2-3 months in many people. HCV-related joint problems may be treated with medications that could be toxic for the liver, so the liver and rheumatology providers should work together to treat these patients.

Living with HCV & Rheumatic Disease

Reducing risk factors may help prevent the spread of HCV to others. Those at risk should get tested for HCV. Because HCV-related joint and muscle problems may cause discomfort and make daily activities difficult, see a rheumatology provider for treatment. Long-term follow-up care with a specialist for HCV infection is important, as liver disease may worsen over time and lead to liver failure or liver cancer.