Hepatitis C in hemodialysis: the contribution of injection drug use.
BACKGROUND
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is the most common cause of acute or chronic hepatitis in patients on hemodialysis (HD). The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence of positive HCV RNA and investigate injection drug use as an emerging risk factor in patients with chronic renal disease on HD.


METHODS
This was a multicenter cross-sectional study with 325 patients with chronic renal disease on HD in the period between August 1, 2005 to August 30, 2006, receiving care at four institutions in the city of Porto Alegre, Southern Brazil. Epidemiological data were collected by means of a structured questionnaire. The following laboratory tests were performed: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti-HCV), and qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR).


RESULTS
Of 325 patients, 68 had positive HCV RNA results. The comparison between patients with positive and negative PCR results revealed significant differences in duration of HD (mean = 71 versus 52.4 months; p = 0.02); previous blood transfusion (92% versus 72%; p < 0.01); injection drug use (13% versus 0.7%; p < 0.01); anti-HCV positivity at start of HD therapy (60% versus 4%; p < 0.01); and mean ALT value (39 versus 26.5; p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed a positive HCV RNA independently associated to being on HD for more than five years [OR: 2.1 (95% CI 1.2 -3.8)]; previous blood transfusion [OR: 3.7 (95% CI 1.4 - 9.5)]; and injection drug use [OR: 22.6 (95% CI 4.2 - 119.6)].


CONCLUSIONS
Injection drug use was an independent risk factor for HCV infection among chronic renal disease patients on HD.
Hospital Mãe de Deus, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. galperim@portoweb.com.br
Bruno
B
Galperim
Angelo A
AA
Mattos
Airton T
AT
Stein
Nuttiane C
NC
Schneider
André
A
Buriol
André
A
Fonseca
Vagner
V
Lunge
Nilo
N
Ikuta
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000097:blood*; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D055815:Young Adult
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies; D012367:RNA, Viral; D000410:Alanine Transaminase