Introduction: Chronic HCV infection is associated with a series of extra hepatic manifestations including neuropathies. However, its pathogenesis is not completely understood. Aim of the work: Due to the importance and prevalence of HCV in Egypt, this study was carried to delineate the spectrum of HCV associated neuropathy and assess its relation to liver affection. Patients and Methods: This study included 20 controls, 20 patients suffering from chronic active hepatitis, 20 patients suffering from liver cirrhosis. All were subjected to: History taking and clinical examination, laboratory investigations including liver function tests, abdominal ultrasound, Electro physiological study for the sensory nerve fibers and sympathetic skin response test in the upper and lower limbs, heart rate variability during normal and deep breathing. Results: Clinical assessment revealed polyneuropathy in chronic active and cirrhotic groups (15%, 45% respectively), however electrophysiological assessment revealed polyneuropathy in (75%, 90% respectively). Also there is positive correlation between the prevalence of polyneuropathy and the severity of hepatic dysfunction. Conclusion: Polyneuropathy is common in patients with hepatitis C. Electrophysiological examinations can detect degree and type of sensory and autonomic dysfunction. Also they give quantitative data about subclinical peripheral neuropathy.
(Egypt J. Neurol. Psychiat. Neurosurg., 2007, 44(2): 647-659)