Hepatitis C Virus Infection Complicated by Kidney Disease

We read with interest the editorial by Dr. Alavian recently published in Nephro-Urology Monthly (1). We agree that control of the components of metabolic syndrome can influence the development of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and further progression to end stage kidney disease (ESKD). Furthermore, early intervention of these risk factors can mitigate cardiovascular morbidity and mortality associated with kidney disease and following renal transplantation. There are 3 distinct patient populations of interest in regard to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection that should be more fully appreciated including: 1) patients with CKD not yet on dialysis, 2) patients receiving renal replacement therapies, and 3) transplant recipients.