title: [Chronic hepatitis C in hemodialysis patients].
abstract: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an important cause of chronic hepatitis in dialysis patients. With regard to epidemiology, the time on haemodialysis, the (previous) use of intravenous drugs as well as the number of blood transfusions received are important risk factors. There are strong indications suggesting nosocomial transmission of HCV. Strict application of infection prevention procedures in haemodialysis units is mandatory to restrain spread of HCV infection. Preliminary results show equal efficacy of alpha-interferon in normalisation of serum transaminases in dialysis patients and in patients with normal kidney function. However, in both groups relapses occur often, despite induction of remission. Antiviral therapy (with interferon and ribavirin) is emerging as a valid option to induce HCV eradication in dialysis patients. Thereafter, transplantation may be considered.
authors.affiliation: Afd. Inwendige, Geneeskunde/Maag-, Darm- en Leverziekten, Ziekenhuis Rijnstate, Arnhem.
authors.forename: A C
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: R H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Kauffmann
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: van Leusen
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Mulder
authors.forename: S W
authors.initials: SW
authors.lastname: Schalm
authors.forename: R A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: de Vries
authors.forename: B C
authors.initials: BC
authors.lastname: Vroom
mesh_terms: D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000635:transmission; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000635:transmission; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D009426:Netherlands / Q000453:epidemiology; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012307:Risk Factors
chemical_list: D000998:Antiviral Agents