Frequency of Restrictive Pulmonary Function and Its Association with Cardiac Dysfunction in Patients with Different Stages of Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Keywords:
Chronic Hepatitis C, Restrictive Pulmonary Function, Cardiac Dysfunction, Liver Fibrosis, Spirometry.Abstract
Background: Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a systemic disease, and its effect on the lung and cardiovascular system has been reported.
Objective: To determine the frequency of restrictive pulmonary function and its association with cardiac dysfunction in patients with different stages of chronic hepatitis C infection.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional, observational study was carried out in the HBS General Hospital Islamabad for a total period of six months, from November, 2025 to April, 2026. The total number of patients who were enrolled was 150, who were divided into three groups: mild fibrosis, significant fibrosis, and cirrhosis based on the results of the non-invasive fibrosis assessment. The data was analyzed using SPSS version 25, with a p-value of less than 0.05 used as a criterion for statistical significance.
Results: Restrictive pulmonary function was found in 31.3% of patients. The prevalence rose with greater severity of hepatitis C (HC) liver disease, with cirrhosis being the highest prevalence (p<0.001). In all patients, cardiac dysfunction was detected in 26.7%, and was significantly more frequent than in patients with normal pulmonary function (p<0.001).
Conclusions: Impaired pulmonary function is prevalent in people with chronic hepatitis C infection and is strongly linked with cardiac dysfunction, particularly in the more advanced stages of liver disease.
