Medical procedures and the risk of iatrogenic hepatitis C infection: case-controlled study in north-eastern Poland
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Published on: September 21, 2015
S Chlabicz1, A Grzeszczuk, D Prokopowicz
1Department of Family Medicine and Community Nursing, Medical University of Białystok, ul. Mieszka I 4B, 15-054 Białystok, Poland. schlabicz@poczta.onet.pl
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) can spread through medical procedures. Minor surgeries and dental care, besides transfusions, are significant risk factors for HCV infection. Enhanced hygiene is crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a public health challenge.
- Many HCV cases lack identifiable risk factors, suggesting iatrogenic transmission routes.
- Inadvertent exposure to infected blood or body fluids in clinical settings is a suspected source.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of medical procedures in hepatitis C transmission.
- To identify specific clinical practices associated with HCV infection in north-eastern Poland.
- To assess the risk of iatrogenic HCV transmission.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 194 patients with chronic hepatitis C.
- A control group of 275 age- and sex-matched individuals.
- Exclusion of participants with a history of intravenous drug use.
- Multivariate analysis to identify independent risk factors.
Main Results:
- Transfusions were significantly associated with HCV infection (OR = 3.7).
- Minor surgical procedures showed a strong association (OR = 3.2).
- Dental care was also independently linked to HCV infection (OR = 2.3).
Conclusions:
- Medical procedures, including minor surgery and dental care, represent significant risks for hepatitis C transmission.
- Transfusions remain a key risk factor.
- Strict adherence to universal precautions and improved hygiene are essential to prevent iatrogenic HCV spread.
Abstract:
Many hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected individuals do not have any obvious risk factors and one of the putative sources of infection may be inadvertent exposure to infected blood or body fluids in the clinical setting. The aim of this study was to assess the role of medical procedures in transmission of hepatitis C in north-eastern Poland. In total, 194 patients with chronic hepatitis C were eligible for the study. The control group consisted of 275 age- and sex-matched individuals. Patients with a history of intravenous drug use were excluded. On multivariate analysis, transfusions [odds ratio (OR) = 3.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.2-6.3], minor surgery (OR = 3.2, 95% CI 1.5-6.7) and dental care (OR = 2.3, 95% CI = 1.4-4.0) were independently associated with HCV infection. We conclude that apart from transfusion, minor medical procedures and dental care may carry a significant risk of hepatitis C infection. Improvements in basic hygiene routines and strict adherence to universal precautions may be essential to prevent iatrogenic transmission of the infection.
