Prolonged time until seroconversion among hemodialysis patients: the need for HCV PCR.
OBJECTIVE
Patients on maintenance hemodialysis are known to have an elevated risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Therefore, a reliable diagnosis of HCV infection is essential in order to prevent the spread of the disease in dialysis units. However, whether PCR examination is dispensable in hemodialysis patients has been debated.


METHODS
From 1995 to 2002, serum samples from all hemodialysis patients at our hospital (n = 1,774) were screened by serological assays and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR).


RESULTS
In 25 of these patients acute HCV infection was observed and in 11 patients HCV seroconversion was delayed for 3-16 months. During this time the infection was exclusively detectable by PCR.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite the growing demand for cost-effectiveness in the health system, HCV PCR examination must remain an essential part of the routine screening in hemodialysis patients.
Schroeter
Matthias
M
Zentrum für Klinisch-Theoretische Medizin I, Institut für Infektionsmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, DE-20246 Hamburg, Germany. mschroet@uke.uni-hamburg.de
Zoellner
Bernhard
B
Polywka
Susanne
S
Laufs
Rainer
R
Feucht
Heinz-Hubert
HH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D016174:Hepacivirus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000302:isolation & purification*; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000821:virology; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction / Q000379:methods*; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies