Prevalence of antibodies to hepatitis C virus in hemodialysis patients.
Due to frequent parenteral contact with blood transfusions hemodialysis patients are prone to acquire hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. To determine the role of HCV infection we investigated the prevalence of antibodies to HCV in 188 hemodialysis patients. The prevalence of antibodies to HCV was 7.4%. As compared to anti-HCV-negative patients, anti-HCV-positive patients had slightly elevated transaminases which were independent of the presence of markers for hepatitis B virus infection. We conclude that HCV infection is common among dialysis patients.
Kallinowski
B
B
Department of Gastroenterology, University of Heidelberg, FRG.
Theilmann
L
L
Gmelin
K
K
Andrassy
K
K
Deppermann
D
D
Weinel
B
B
Kommerell
B
B
D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies / Q000032:analysis*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D006435:Renal Dialysis; D065227:Transfusion Reaction
D006508:Hepatitis Antibodies