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Hepatitis C in chronic renal failure patients
A Mitwalli1, S al-Mohaya, J al Wakeel
1Division of Nephrology, Security Forces Hospital, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
American Journal of Nephrology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Chronic renal failure (CRF) patients, especially those on chronic hemodialysis, have a significantly higher risk of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Longer dialysis duration and elevated liver enzymes correlate with HCV seroconversion in these patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chronic renal failure (CRF) is a serious condition requiring renal replacement therapy.
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant health concern, particularly in vulnerable patient populations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the prevalence and risk factors of HCV infection among patients with chronic renal failure (CRF).
- To determine the correlation between HCV seroconversion, dialysis modality, duration of dialysis, and liver enzyme levels in CRF patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study was conducted over one year involving 71 CRF patients (including chronic hemodialysis, acute hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and non-dialysis patients).
- Patients were screened for HCV antibodies before and after hemodialysis.
- Liver enzyme levels (serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase) were measured at baseline and post-dialysis.
Main Results:
- Overall, 15.5% of the 71 CRF patients were HCV antibody positive.
- Among chronic hemodialysis (CHD) patients, 30.7% tested positive for HCV.
- A statistically significant relationship was found between HCV seroconversion and duration of dialysis (p < 0.05).
- A highly significant correlation (p < 0.0001) existed between HCV antibodies and CRF, with a 22-fold increased relative risk for CRF patients.
- HCV seroconverters frequently exhibited elevated liver enzymes.
Conclusions:
- CRF is a major risk factor for HCV infection.
- There is a positive correlation between HCV seroconversion, CRF, duration on dialysis, and elevated serum liver enzymes.
- These findings highlight the importance of vigilant screening and infection control measures for HCV in CRF patients.