Chronic hepatitis C in i. v. drug abusers

In our work we present the clinical, biochemical, serologic and pathohistologic characteristics of chronic HCV infection in i. v. drag abusers treated in the Clinic for infections diseases in Kragujevac, in period of 3 years (2007-2009. year). In 17 i. v. drug abusers were examined, 13 men and 4 women, with chronic hepatitis C. Average age was 26,82 years. Duration of i. v. drug use was different from 1 year to 11 years. All patients were without com- plaints. Regarding functional liver tests level of amino-transferases was elevated: AST --50,37 Ш and ALT - 97,3 7U/1, total bilimbin was normal. On pathohistologic examination in 12 was found minimal chronic hepatitis, in 3 very active chronic hepatitis with pronounced piece meal necrosis and bridging necrosis, one patient was cirrhosis.