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Frequency of hepatitis C in obstetric cases
Talat J H Rizvi1, Hassan Fatima
1PMRC Research Centre, National Institute of Child Health, Karachi.
Journal of the College of Physicians and Surgeons--Pakistan : JCPSP
|December 1, 2004
Summary
The frequency of anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies was similar after single (13.2%) and multiple blood transfusions (15.4%). This highlights the need for universal HCV screening in blood donors and careful consideration for transfusion indications.
Area of Science:
- Medical Research
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant public health risk.
- Blood transfusions are a potential route for HCV transmission.
- Understanding HCV prevalence in transfusion recipients is crucial for transfusion safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence of anti-HCV antibodies in obstetric patients.
- To evaluate anti-HCV frequency following single versus multiple blood transfusions.
- To assess anti-HCV rates in non-transfused controls.
Main Methods:
- A comparative descriptive study was conducted.
- 197 obstetric patients (38 single transfusion, 39 multiple transfusion, 120 controls) were analyzed.
- Anti-HCV was detected using the Roche HCV EIA 2nd generation kit.
Main Results:
- Anti-HCV was detected in 13.2% of single transfusion patients and 15.4% of multiple transfusion patients.
- The prevalence of anti-HCV in non-transfused controls was 6.6%.
- The frequency of anti-HCV was comparable between single and multiple transfusion groups.
Conclusions:
- Blood transfusion, even a single unit, carries a risk of HCV transmission.
- Nationwide screening of blood donors for anti-HCV using sensitive assays is essential.
- Clear indications for single blood transfusions are necessary to minimize unnecessary exposure.