Author/Editor		Urbančič, Alenka; Ponikvar, Rafael
Title		Evaluation of B and C virus hepatitis in chronic dialysis patients in our hemodialysis center
Type		članek
Source		In: Buturović-Ponikvar J, Bren AF, editors. Zbornik 2. slovenski nefrološki kongres z mednarodno udeležbo ob 30. letnici dialize in transplantacije ledvic v Sloveniji; 2000 sep 27-30; Brdo pri Kranju. Ljubljana: Klinični center, Klinični oddelek za nefrologijo,
Publication year		2000
Volume		str. 263-8
Language		eng
Abstract		Patients on hemodialysis are at incresased risk of acquiring HBV and HCV infection. Hepatitis B was the major cause of viral hepatitis among dialysis patients in the past. The introduction of rigorous infection control strategies have led to a decline of HBV infection in hemodialysis patients. Standard barrier and universal precausions, routine screening of patients and staff for HbsAg and anti-HBs antibody as well as introduction of separate section for HBV positive patients, routine vaccination of all HBV negative patients and staff have led to decline in the prevalence of HBV infection in our center: in 1987 there were 6% of patients HBs Ag positive, in 2000 there are 2.4 %. In 1990 1st generation of HCV antibody testing was introduced and 4.4 positive patients detected among dialysis unit. Separate section and shifts for the dialysis, strict general precausions and routine serologic control for anti HCV anti-bodies and HCV RNA were sufficient to prevent any spread of the infection among dialysis patients. In 2000 we have 3.8 % anti HCV and HCV RNA positive patients. Rigorous general measures as the main principle for daily work, detection of HBV or HCV positive patients before entering the ward, vaccination, use of eritropoetin have led to a decline in the prevalence of both HCV and HBV infection among dialysis patients and can succesfully prevent the spread of these infections among dialysis patients and staff.
Descriptors		HEMODIALYSIS HEPATITIS B HEPATITIS C