The prevalence rates of mixed cryoglobulinaemia, sicca complex, positive thyroid autoantibodies, antinuclear antibody, rheumatoid factor, and antimitochondrial antibody in PCR positive women were 12.7%, 7.6%, 13.9%, 5.1%, 3.8%, and 3.8%. Conclusions-A benign course of HCV infection with lack of disease progression was observed in women with chronic HCV, 22 years after inoculation. Acute icteric hepatitis and the HLA DRB1*01 allele were associated with viral clearance. Despite this favourable outcome, high levels of psychological distress and poor quality of life were present. (Gut 2001;49:423-430)

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The intervention showed no statistical differences between the control and intervention groups on primary or secondary outcome measures. The stipend and the stipend plus volunteer partner led to an increase in recreational social functioning; a decrease in levels of social loneliness, in depression and in the proportion living within a vulnerable social network.

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OBJECTIVE: This study documents psychological well-being, mental health and quality of life in a group of women diagnosed with an iatrogenic hepatitis C (HCV) infection and examines the relationship between HCV RNA status and adjustment to their illness. DESIGN: A cross-sectional design was used. METHOD: Psychological well-being, mental health and quality of life were assessed in a consecutive clinical sample of 93 women who were anti-HCV positive (ELISA, third generation). Of these, 33 had a self-limiting HCV infection (HCV RNA negative), whereas 60 had chronic HCV infection (HCV RNA positive). RESULTS: Overall, psychological well-being and mental health were diminished in all women and were best predicted by their level of social functioning, which accounted for between 42% and 57% of the variance. When comparing women with chronic HCV infection and those with a self-limiting HCV infection, no differences were detected in quality of life and no association was found between HCV RNA status and a clinical diagnosis of depression or anxiety. Furthermore, no significant differences were demonstrated in HCV RNA positive women when compared according to liver histology on all measures. CONCLUSION: In both HCV RNA positive and HCV RNA negative women, high levels of psychological distress and impaired quality of life were found. Impairments were not related to HCV RNA status or liver histology.

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