CLINICAL CASE OF HCV-ASSOCIATED CRYOGLOBULINEMIC GLOMERULONEPHRITIS

Abstract

In two-thirds of patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, extrahepatic manifestations are observed, often serving as the first and only clinical signs of the disease. The purpose of this study is to analyze the features of early diagnosis and treatment following a specific case of cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis associated with Hepatitis C virus (HCV). Materials and methods. A clinical case of cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis associated with HCV in a 36-year-old male patient is presented. The results. The diagnosis of HCV-associated cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis was confirmed by the detection of HCV RNA via polymerase chain reaction (PCR), a positive cryoglobulin test, rheumatoid factor (RF) and findings from a pathological examination of kidney biopsy specimens. The patient received etiotropic therapy with direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) for 12 weeks. Upon completion of treatment, the patient experienced clinical improvement and normalization of laboratory blood and urine parameters. However, after three years of follow-up, the patient exhibited signs of progressive renal dysfunction, characterized by increased creatinine levels and decreased glomerular filtration rate (GFR). Conclusions. This clinical case underscores the importance of early diagnosis and initiation of etiotropic therapy in patients with HCV-associated cryoglobulinemic glomerulonephritis. It also highlights the potential role of antiviral treatment in preventing the progression of renal insufficiency. Long-term monitoring is essential, and additional therapeutic interventions may be required to prevent the development of chronic complications.