Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine
2008, vol. 17, nr 1, January-February, p. 53–60
Publication type: original article
Language: English
Executive Functions in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus−Infected Patients
Funkcje wykonawcze u pacjentów z przewlekłym wirusowym zapaleniem wątroby typu C
1 Sciences Department, Health Sciences Superior Institute−North, Gandra, Portugal
2 Psychology Department, Oviedo University, Oviedo, Spain
3 Gastroenterology Service, Saint António General Hospital, Oporto, Portugal
4 Gastroenterology Service, Saint Sebastian Hospital, Santa Maria da Feira, Portugal
Abstract
Background. The neuropsychological implications of severe liver dysfunction have been widely discussed in recent neuropsychological literature. However, research has only just begun on the harmful effects of mild liver dysfunction on neurocognitive processes as well as the direct action of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) on the central nervous system.
Objectives. The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible existence of alterations in the executive functions of HCV patients.
Material and Methods. The executive functions were assessed by the administration of the two test batteries related to frontal lobe functioning: the Behavioral Assessment of the Dysexecutive Syndrome and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, to a group of HCV patients (n = 20) and a control group (n = 20).
Results. The obtained results suggest the presence of impaired capability to inhibit previous associations and to use feedback in order to correct behavior in the HCV group. Structured planning, conceptualization, organized search, attention supervision, and control in non−routine tasks and maintenance of a non−automatic response are other impaired aspects in these patients.
Conclusion. The results were not related to the degree of liver fibrosis, suggesting direct action of the hepatitis C virus on the brain.
Streszczenie
Cel pracy. Ocena funkcji wykonawczych u pacjentów z WZW typu C.
Materiał i metody. Badanie przeprowadzono za pomocą dwóch testów analizujących czynność płata czołowego, w grupie chorych z WZW typu C (n = 20) i w grupie kontrolnej (n = 20). Wyniki i wnioski. Zaburzenia stwierdzone u pacjentów zakażonych HCV nie były związane ze stopniem zwłóknienia wątroby, co zdaniem autorów sugeruje bezpośredni wpływ wirusa na mózg.
Wyniki i wnioski. Zaburzenia stwierdzone u pacjentów zakażonych HCV nie były związane ze stopniem zwłóknienia wątroby, co zdaniem autorów sugeruje bezpośredni wpływ wirusa na mózg.
Key words
Neuropsychological evaluation, prefrontal functions, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, liver fibrosis, cognitive impairment, frontal lobe damage
Słowa kluczowe
ocena neuropsychologiczna, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, włóknienie wątroby, upośledzenie poznawcze, uszkodzenie płata czołowego
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