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Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Biliary Drainage: Endoscopic Ultrasound-Guided Hepaticogastrostomy in Malignant Biliary Obstruction
Published on: March 25, 2022
Digestive endoscopy is not a major risk factor for transmitting hepatitis C virus
Alessia Ciancio1, Paola Manzini, Franco Castagno
1Ospedale Molinette, Banca del Sangue e del Plasma della città di Torino, Torino, Italy. g.saracco@tin.it
Annals of Internal Medicine
|June 9, 2005
Summary
Digestive endoscopy does not appear to be a significant risk for hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission when performed correctly. A study found no HCV seroconversion in patients undergoing endoscopy, supporting its safety.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- The transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) via digestive endoscopy remains a subject of debate.
- Concerns exist regarding the potential for endoscopic procedures to facilitate HCV spread.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of digestive endoscopy in HCV transmission.
- To compare HCV incidence in patients undergoing endoscopy versus blood donors.
Main Methods:
- A prospective cohort study was conducted in northwestern Italy.
- Compared HCV seroconversion rates between 9188 endoscopy patients and 51,230 blood donors.
- Utilized third-generation enzyme immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction for HCV detection.
Main Results:
- No cases of anti-HCV seroconversion were observed among 8260 patients post-endoscopy.
- Specifically, no seroconversion occurred in 912 patients using instruments previously used on HCV carriers.
- Four blood donors seroconverted to anti-HCV and HCV RNA during follow-up.
Conclusions:
- Properly executed digestive endoscopy is not identified as a major risk factor for HCV transmission.
- The study provides evidence supporting the safety of endoscopic procedures regarding HCV spread.
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