| Author/Editor | Urbančič, A; Ponikvar, R; Buturovič-Ponikvar, J; Benedik, M; Kveder, R | |
| Title | Anti hepatitis C virus antibodies in dialysis unit: prevalence, clinical significance and prevention | |
| Type | članek | |
| Source | In: Buturovič J, Ponikvar R, editors. Slovenian-Italian meeting on nephrology, Bled 1992: proceedings. Ljubljana: University medical center, Department of nephrology, | |
| Publication year | 1995 | |
| Volume | str. 110-6 | |
| Language | eng | |
| Abstract | Infection by hepatitis C virus is a frequent complication among dialysis patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of anti hepatitis C virus antibodies (anti HVC) among our dialysis patients. In 1990 anti HCV detection by ELISA, Ortho 1st generation, was introduced in the centre. 226 chronic dialysis patients aged 55+- 14 years, being dialysed for 57+-56 months, were evaluated and followed up for 18 months. In 10/226 patients (4.42%) anti HCV antibodies were detected (anti HCV +). They were shifted to a separate section for the dialysis, being reevaluated for anti HCV 4 times/year, for liver function monthly and for the transfusions ever received. Single use dialyers and disposable lines for extracorporeal blood flow were used, chemical sterilisation of monitors after each dialysis session was performed. During. the time of follow up 1/216 anti HCV patients converted to anti HCV +. In 3/11 and HCV+ patients periods of ALT elevation above two upper normal limits for more than two months have been observed, 1/11 anti HCV + patients had normal tests of liver function. None of 11 anti HCV + patients had signs of hepatic failure. All 11 anti HCV + patients were transfused, 3/11 got more than 10 units of blood. 2/11 anti HCV + patients converted to anti HCV-, 1/11 anti HCV + patients died. The prevalence of anti HCV is low in our dialysis unit. The HCV infection seems mainly to be transfusion related. Sign of at least minimal hepatic disorders were found in the majority of anti HCV + patients. Separate dialysis of anti HCV + patients, sterilisation of monitors after each dialysis and strict adhesion to other preventive measures could be the reason for low rate of HCV infection among our dialysis patients. | |
| Descriptors | HEPATITIS C HEMODIALYSIS HEPATITIS ANTIBODIES ENZYME-LINKED IMMUNOSORBENT ASSAY |