Hepatitis C: reality of a renal unit.
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) seems to be the most important agent of non-A, non-B hepatitis. This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of hepatitis C in our renal unit. Twelve patients (29%) had antibodies against HCV (anti-HCV). Seropositive patients were on hemodialysis for a longer period than seronegatives. Statistically significant associations with anti-HCV were: blood transfusions, at least 1 episode of elevated value of transaminases (2-fold) and fluctuations of transaminases. Our findings confirm the high prevalence of anti-HCV in hemodialyzed patients, the importance of parenteral transmission and the high probability of liver disease in anti-HCV-positive patients.
Bracchi
O
O
Servizio di Nefrologia e Dialisi, Ospedale Predabissi, Melegnano, Italy.
Orazi
E
E
Lupi
G P
GP
Bronzieri
C
C
Cornalba
L
L
Grassi
C
C
D005260:Female; D006436:Hemodialysis Units, Hospital; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000097:blood; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000276:immunology / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies