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[Control of viral hepatitis in Lithuanian hemodialysis centers in 1997-2001]

Edita Ziginskiene1, Vytautas Kuzminskis, Limas Kupcinskas

  • 1Clinic of Nephrology, Kaunas University of Medicine, Kaunas, Lithuania.

Medicina (Kaunas, Lithuania)
|May 23, 2003
PubMed

Insights

Hemodialysis patients face high risks of hepatitis B and C. While screening increased, vaccination rates remain low, and chronic hepatitis B is a concern in some patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Nephrology

Background:

  • Hemodialysis patients represent a vulnerable population susceptible to viral hepatitis B and C.
  • Effective control and monitoring of these infections are crucial in hemodialysis settings.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections among hemodialysis patients in Lithuania.
  • To evaluate the current level of control and management of these viral infections within this patient group.

Main Methods:

  • A multi-year observational study (1997-2001) involving all hemodialysis centers in Lithuania.
  • Data collection on hepatitis B surface antigen (HB(s)Ag), anti-HCV, anti-HB(s), and anti-HBc markers.
  • Analysis of vaccination status and duration of hemodialysis in relation to infection markers.

Main Results:

  • Screening for hepatitis markers increased over the study period, though some patients remained unexamined.
  • Hepatitis B prevalence (HB(s)Ag positive) remained stable around 14%, while Hepatitis C prevalence (anti-HCV positive) decreased significantly (23% to 15.4%).
  • Hepatitis B vaccination rates were low (10.6% in 2001), and a notable percentage of anti-HBc positive patients were also HB(s)Ag positive, suggesting chronic infection. Longer hemodialysis duration was associated with higher infection rates.

Conclusions:

  • Despite improved screening, challenges remain in comprehensive hepatitis B and C management in hemodialysis patients.
  • Low vaccination rates and the presence of chronic hepatitis B indicate a need for enhanced prevention strategies.
  • Increased duration of hemodialysis is a risk factor for viral hepatitis acquisition or persistence in this population.

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