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Hepatitis C infection is acquired pre-ESRD.
Suzanne Bergman1, Neil Accortt, Alan Turner
1University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Birmingham, AL 35294-0007, USA.sbergman@uab.edu
Summary
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody prevalence remains high in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Younger, male, black patients, and those with a history of drug use are key contributors to this prevalence.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hepatology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is more common in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients than the general population.
- While nosocomial infections decreased, HCV antibody (anti-HCV) prevalence in ESRD patients has not changed.
- This highlights persistent challenges in managing HCV in this vulnerable group.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the prevalence and risk factors of anti-HCV in hemodialysis patients.
- To identify demographic and clinical predictors of HCV infection in ESRD.
- To understand the contribution of new ESRD patients to overall HCV prevalence.
Main Methods:
- Prospective observational study of 860 hemodialysis patients in Birmingham, AL (August 1998-August 2004).
- Annual anti-HCV testing at dialysis initiation and yearly thereafter.
- Collection of demographic data, ESRD details, comorbidities, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Overall anti-HCV prevalence was 16.8%, with 14.4% in new ESRD patients.
- Seroconversion rate was 2.5% among anti-HCV negative patients.
- Predictors of anti-HCV positivity included younger age, male sex, black race, and a history of drug abuse.
Conclusions:
- New patients significantly contribute to anti-HCV prevalence in ESRD populations.
- Younger, male, black individuals with a history of drug use are at higher risk.
- Monitoring anti-HCV in chronic kidney disease patients can identify those at risk for other health issues.