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A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication
13:04

A Protocol for Analyzing Hepatitis C Virus Replication

Published on: June 26, 2014

Acute hepatitis C among Japanese hemodialysis patients: a prospective 9-year study

N Furusyo1, J Hayashi, K Kakuda

  • 1Department of General Medicine, Kyushu University Hospital, Fukuoka, Japan.

The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|May 26, 2001
PubMed

Insights

Newly acquired hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection continues in hemodialysis patients despite blood screening. Abnormal ALT levels in these patients are linked to HCV chronicity, highlighting ongoing transmission risks.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) screening of blood products was implemented in Japan in 1989.
  • Hemodialysis patients are at increased risk for HCV infection due to frequent medical procedures and potential blood exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of newly acquired HCV infection in hemodialysis patients.
  • To characterize the clinical features of these new HCV infections.
  • To assess the impact of anti-HCV screening on HCV acquisition in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective survey of 269 hemodialysis patients from 1990 to 1998.
  • Serial serum samples analyzed for HCV RNA (RT-PCR) and anti-HCV (ELISA).
  • Follow-up over a mean period of 6.6 years.

Main Results:

  • Newly acquired HCV infection occurred in 15.4% of patients (26/169) without prior infection, with an annual incidence of 2.59%.
  • Only four patients had a history of blood transfusion, with one receiving transfusion after 1992.
  • Persistent HCV viremia was observed in 65.4% of infected patients, with prolonged ALT abnormalities in some, though ALT eventually normalized in all chronic cases.

Conclusions:

  • Newly acquired HCV infection remains a concern in hemodialysis patients even after anti-HCV blood product screening.
  • Abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in these patients are associated with HCV chronicity.
  • Ongoing vigilance and infection control measures are crucial in hemodialysis settings.
Abstract

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