[A high prevalence of hepatitis C in hemodialysis]

Dialysis patients are among groups at risk for development of Hepatitis C infection. Most studies show a significant correlation between anti-HCV seropositivity and the number of blood transfusions and duration of dialysis. Transmission of HCV by transfusions has become rare since the introduction of antibody screening. However nosocomial transmission of HCV within dialysis units increase. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence and the incidence of seroconversion for HCV in our HD unit during the period from January 1997 to 2000.

We studied 133 pts (59 females) mean age 50.2 + 14 with mean dialysis duration of 35 months, from the beginning of 1997 to January 2000. 71 pts were seronegative and 62 seropositive for anti-HCV antibodies. The seroprevalence of confirmed anti-HCV patients increased from 46.51% (1997 yrs) to 49.06% (1998) and dropped in 1999 (46.62%).

The yearly seroconversion rate ranged from 11.52% (1998) to 7.52% (1999). Till the end of 1998 all patients shared same machines, and from 1999 we had 3 separate machines for only negative patients. Our results showed that duration of dialysis is risk factor for development HCV infection (p < 0.01) seropositive 5.215 + 3.9 years, seronegative 2.2 + 1.55, as also multiple blood transfusions > 5 units.

Our results confirmed previous investigations that duration of HD and blood products are risk factor for HCV infection. High incidence seropositivity by our patients suggested nosocomial transmission of HCV, and was needed implementation of universal precautions in HD units.