Antibody to hepatitis-C virus in multi-transfused thalassaemics--Indian experience.
Twelve out of 72 (16.7%) multi-transfused patients with thalassemia major (age range: 7-22 years) were found to be positive for antibody to hepatitis-C virus (anti-HCV). Nine (75%) of these 12 cases were positive for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) and/or hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). Out of the remaining 60 patients (83.3%), 27 patients (45%) were positive for anti-HBc and/or anti-HBs, while six (10%) were HBsAg positive Anti-HCV positive patients had significant higher levels of liver enzymes than those who were negative (p < 0.01). S. Ferritin was also significantly higher in those with seropositivity for anti-HCV than those who were negative (p < 0.01). It is concluded that HCV (besides HBV) is a major problem in multi-transfused thalassemia major patients and routine pre-transfusion screening of blood for anti-HCV must be introduced in the blood banks.
Agarwal
M B
MB
Dept. of Haematology, LTMG Hospital, Bombay.
Malkan
G H
GH
Bhave
A A
AA
Vishwanathan
C
C
Billa
V
V
Dube
S R
SR
Bajan
K
K
Rajadhyaksha
G C
GC
Shah
S H
SH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000914:Antibodies, Viral / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000276:immunology*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000302:isolation & purification; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D008099:Liver / Q000201:enzymology; D008297:Male; D065227:Transfusion Reaction; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000628:therapy*
D000914:Antibodies, Viral; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens