[Carbohydrate metabolism in children with chronic hepatitis C].

Unlabelled: The importance of carbohydrate metabolism in the pathogenesis of chronic hepatitis C has been recognized in recent years. The aim of the study was to assess carbohydrate metabolism in children with chronic HCV-related hepatitis.

Material And Methods: The study was comprised of 16 children with chronic hepatitis C and 16 healthy controls. In all the children anthropometric data and, after overnight fasting, serum levels of glucose and insulin were investigated and insulin resistance index HOMA IR was calculated. In the study group biopsy specimens were assessed.

Results: Macrovesicular steatosis in numerous hepatocytes was found in 3 children. Mean values of body mass, height, body mass index (BMI), levels of glucose, insulin and HOMA IR did not differ significantly between the two groups. We found correlation between serum levels of glucose and fibrosis (r=0.64, p<0.01) or staging (r= 0.7, p<0.004) in children with chronic hepatitis C.

Conclusion: Neither obesity, which is recognized as a risk factor for diabetes mellitus and steatosis was found in children with HCV-related hepatitis. Correlation between serum levels of glucose and fibrosis or staging in children with chronic hepatitis C suggests the participation of carbohydrate metabolism in the pathogenesis of this disease and the risk, existing already in such young patients, of developing hepatic fibrosis with its consequences.