The Impact of Hepatitis C Virus, Metabolic Disturbance, and Unhealthy Behavior on Chronic Kidney Disease: A Secondary Cross-Sectional Analysis

Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with a higher risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD). This study investigates the relationship among HCV, CKD, and understudied confounders, such as unhealthy behaviors and metabolic disturbances. Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted as part of a community health promotion program in an HCV endemic area of Taiwan from June to December 2019. Multivariable logistic regression analyses adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics were performed to investigate the association between CKD and HCV seropositivity. Results: Of 2387 participants who underwent health check-ups, the mean age was 64.1 years old; females predominated (63.2%), and 306 (12.8%) subjects were seropositive for HCV. CKD, defined as a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was associated with unhealthy dietary habits, metabolic syndrome, and HCV. Less frequent exercise, higher waist circumference (WC) and HbA1c all affected risk of CKD; HCV increased risk of CKD by 44% compared to non-HCV (OR 1.44, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–1.98) in the multivariable analysis. In the HCV group, lower eGFR was also significantly associated with the severity of metabolic syndrome (MetS) (median eGFR was 86.4, 77.1, and 64.5 mL/min/1.73 m 2 for individuals with three and five MetS components, respectively). Conclusions: Beyond metabolic disturbance and irregular exercise, HCV seropositivity is independently associated with CKD in a community survey. Healthy lifestyle promotion might protect against renal function decline in HCV; however, the mechanisms underlying the association need further large-scale investigation.