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Abstract
Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a significant public health problem globally and nationally, particularly in Pakistan, where its prevalence remains high. Chronic HCV infection primarily affects the liver and may alter vitamin D metabolism, potentially affecting calcium homeostasis. This study was conducted to determine serum calcium and vitamin D levels in patients with HCV infection, compare these levels with healthy controls, and assess the association between serum calcium and vitamin D levels.
Objective: The objective of this study was to compare serum calcium and vitamin D levels between patients with Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and healthy controls and to determine the association between serum calcium and vitamin D levels among HCV-infected patients.
Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted among 242 participants from Peshawar, including 121 HCV-positive patients and 121 healthy controls. Serum calcium levels were measured using a photometric method, while serum vitamin D levels were determined using an immunofluorescence technique. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 27.
Results: HCV-positive patients had significantly lower serum calcium levels (9.07 ± 0.82 mg/dL) compared with healthy controls (9.29 ± 0.59 mg/dL; p = 0.019). Serum vitamin D levels were also significantly lower among HCV-positive patients compared with healthy controls (p < 0.001). A moderate positive correlation was observed between serum vitamin D and calcium levels among HCV patients (r = 0.377, p < 0.001).
Conclusion: HCV infection was associated with significantly lower serum calcium and vitamin D levels. The moderate positive correlation between vitamin D and calcium suggests that disturbances in vitamin D status may be associated with altered calcium homeostasis in HCV patients. Routine assessment of vitamin D and calcium status may help identify metabolic abnormalities early and support appropriate management to reduce potential complications.