What are the common complications of hepatitis C?

Hepatitis C has various and severe complications, mainly including the following aspects: 1. Cirrhosis and liver cancer: Hepatitis C is one of the primary causes of cirrhosis and an important contributing factor to liver cancer. Long-term untreated hepatitis C can gradually progress to cirrhosis, thereby increasing the risk of developing liver cancer. 2. Hepatic encephalopathy: Patients with cirrhosis frequently develop hepatic encephalopathy, which presents with neurological and psychiatric symptoms such as asterixis (flapping tremor), drowsiness, and even coma, significantly affecting patients' quality of life. 3. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding: Esophageal and gastric varices caused by cirrhosis may rupture and cause bleeding. Massive hematemesis (vomiting blood) or melena (black tarry stools) can rapidly lead to hypovolemic shock, endangering life. 4. Endocrine disorders: Patients with hepatitis C are prone to develop diabetes and thyroid dysfunction, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, which affect body metabolism. 5. Kidney disease: Some patients may develop renal insufficiency, presenting with symptoms such as increased blood coagulability and thyroid dysfunction. 6. Skin complications: Such as cryoglobulinemia and urticaria, which affect skin health. Therefore, patients with hepatitis C should actively undergo antiviral therapy to prevent and control the occurrence of these complications.