Smoking and Alanine Aminotransferase Levels in Hepatitis C Virus Infection

Abstract

Smoking and alcohol consumption are independently associated with elevated ALT levels among anti-HCV-seropositive individuals but not among HBsAg-seropositive individuals. Patients who are seropositive for anti-HCV are strongly advised not to smoke and drink alcohol to reduce the possible risk for aggravating the liver dysfunction.