Abstract:
Hemodialysis patients are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis C infection. Prevalence of anti HCV antibodies was determined by 3rd generation ELISA among 122 (69 males, 53 females) patients undergoing hemodialysis. Out of 122 patients, 69 (56.6%) patients were found to be anti HCV positive. Anti HCV antibodies were positive in 24 (19.7%) patient before starting hemodialysis. During hemodialysis, 45 (45.9%) patients became anti HCV positive. Mean duration of dialysis of sero-positive patients was 29.3±24.8 months, where as that of sero-negative patients was 14.7±19.8 months. This difference was statistically significant. Frequency of sero-positivity was found to be 4.5%, 22.6%, 46.3%, 66%, 74.1% and 89.5% after 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years and 5 years of hemodialysis respectively. Annual rate of sero-conversion was found to be 32.2%, 28.4% and 34.4% in years 2000, 2001 and 2002 respectively. We recommend strict application of universal infection control measures to limit transmission of hepatitis C in hemodialysis units.
Page(s):
19-22
DOI:
DOI not available
Published:
Journal: Proceedings of sheikh zayed postgraduate medical institute, Volume: 17, Issue: 1, Year: 2003