Hepatitis C-related arthropathy is a common extrahepatic manifestation of HCV infection, with symptoms resembling chronic inflammatory arthritis but typically having a benign prognosis. Diagnosing this condition involves differentiating it from rheumatoid arthritis using tests like anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies. Early detection of HCV is crucial for selecting appropriate treatment, usually following a stepwise approach due to the lack of specific clinical guidelines.

HCV is the most common blood-borne infection in the U.S., affecting 4 to 5 million Americans, mainly adults aged 30 to 49. About 80% of HCV infections become chronic, with many progressing to end-stage liver disease (ESLD), causing significant morbidity and mortality and being a leading cause of liver transplantation. HCV also causes systemic effects like arthralgia and arthritis due to immune complex deposition in synovial fluid. Effective management of HCV and its extrahepatic manifestations, such as arthropathy, is essential for improving patient outcomes and reducing transmission risks, especially among high-risk groups like injection drug users.

Reference: Kemmer NM, Sherman KE. Hepatitis C-related arthropathy: Diagnostic and treatment considerations. J Musculoskelet Med. 2010 Sep;27(9):351-354. PMID: 21625299; PMCID: PMC3103264.