Quality of life indices in patients with chronic viral hepatitis

Aim: to estimate quality of life (QL) indices in patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) and their relationships to the clinical characteristics of the disease.
Subjects and methods. One hundred and ten patients with chronic viral hepatitis (CVH), including 58 patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC), 27 with chronic hepatitis B, and 25 with CHC + HBCor, were examined. The personality psychological profile, reaction and personality anxiety were evaluated; the Beck inventory was used to identify borderline mental disorders. The test developed by the Karelian Research Center, Russian Academy of Medical Sciences, modified by Ya. M. Rutgaizer, and the Nottingham Health Profile were applied to estimate QL indices.
Results. Parameters characterizing the social and personality indices of life, such as qualitative performance of paid work, participation in social life, impossibility of adequate rest, and sexual life are most frequently influenced. The main indicators of worse QL were diminished vitality (vital energy), sleep disorders, and emergence of emotional reactions. This was largely seen in patients with active CVH infection and in those who had isolated HBcor antibodies.
Conclusion. QL is directly related to the duration of viral infection.

viral hepatitis, quality of life, viremia duration