A Lower Serum Gamma-Glutamyltransferase Level Does Not Predict a Sustained Virological Response in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1

Abstract

Background/AimsLow gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) level was shown to be an independent predictor of a sustained virological response (SVR) in chronic hepatitis C. We aimed to determine factors associated with high GGT level, and to evaluate whether low GGT level is an independent predictor of a SVR in chronic hepatitis C genotype 1.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed our data of patients with chronic hepatitis C genotype 1 treated with pegylated interferon-α and ribavirin. Baseline features were compared between patients with normal and high GGT levels. Factors associated with high GGT level and those associated with a SVR were determined by univariate and multivariate analysis.ResultsThis study included 57 patients. Mean age was 52.28±9.35 years. GGT levels was elevated in 27 patients (47.4%). GGT levels were normal in 63.3% of the patients who achieved a SVR and in 40.7% of those who did not achieve a SVR (p>0.05). By multivariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of cirrhosis (odds ratio [OR], 9.41; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.08 to 102.61) and female gender (OR, 6.77; 95% CI, 1.23 to 37.20) were significantly associated with high GGT level, and only rapid virological response was associated with a SVR (OR, 8.369; 95% CI, 1.82 to 38.48).ConclusionsLow GGT level does not predict a SVR; however, it may be a predictor of high fibrosis scores.

A Low Serum γ-Glutamyltransferase Level Predicts a Sustained Virological Response in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Genotype 1

“…In a lot of studies, low baseline GGT level was shown to be an independent predictor of a SVR 2-5. Our findings were consistent with these studies in contrast to study of Güzelbulut et al1…”

“…Presence of cirrhosis and male gender (unlike the study of Güzelbulut et al1) were significantly associated with high serum GGT levels (Table 3). …”

“…In the multiple logistic regression for the strength of influence factors, RVR, cEVR, and low GGT were identified as independent significant predictive factors for SVR ( Table 2 ). Presence of cirrhosis and male gender (unlike the study of Güzelbulut et al 1 ) were significantly associated with high serum GGT levels ( Table 3 ).…”

“…Güzelbulut et al1 recently demonstrated that low γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) level does not predict a sustained virological response (SVR), although it may be a predictor of high fibrosis scores. However, in a lot of studies, low baseline GGT level was shown to be an independent predictor of a SVR 2-5.…”

Molecular and Genotypic Study of Senv-D Virus Coinfection in Β-Thalassemic Patients Infected With the Hepatitis C Virus in Iraq

“…Moreover, alignment results showed that 98%, 96%, 91%, and 83% were revealed compatibility with the USA, China, Japan, and Brazil, respectively. [42] The study suggested that the occurrence rate of SEN-V DNA in thalassemia patients is very high in comparison with those observed in healthy blood donors. Such frequency of SENV infection among thalassemic patients suggests that blood transfusion is a primary route of transmission.…”