Atif Qureshi, Jamshaid, Siddiqui M, Zafar S A.
Clinical spectrum of Cirrhosis of liver due to HCV in Jinnah Hospital, Lahore.
Pak Postgrad Med J Jan ;12(3):104-7.

Cirrhosis of liver is one of the common causes of both morbidity and mortality world over. HCV infection is very rapidly increasing as a major cause of cirrhosis. This study was done with the aim to get the detailed statistical data regarding different clinical aspects of cirrhosis. Out of 100 patients included in this study 60 were male, and majority (56) were between 41-60 of age. Generalized weakness (76), malaena (63), fever (49), drowsiness (45) and weight loss (38) were the major presenting symptoms. And pallor (88), palmer erythema (70), leuconychia (68), splenomegaly (64), spider naevi (58), clubbing (58) and ascites (56) were the most common physical signs. 65 patients had jaundice before the diagnosis of cirrhosis. All the patients were divided into modified Pugh-Child classes and 12 were in class A, 46 in Class B and 42 in class C. 74 patients were relieved symptomatically, 14 not relieved and 12 died. HCV cirrhosis is thus a chronic disease affecting males and middle aged persons more commonly. The common clinical features found in this study are not very different from other parts of Pakistan and world. Early screening of HCV is sought because at early stage many treatment options are available for this disease and features of general ill health like generalized weakness, fatigue, anorexia and fever must be considered seriously.

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