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Hepatitis C in children with chronic kidney disease: A single-center, Egypt

Doaa Mohammed Youssef1, Hanaa Abdo1, Ahmed Alakhras1

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.

Saudi Journal of Kidney Diseases and Transplantation : an Official Publication of the Saudi Center for Organ Transplantation, Saudi Arabia
|January 19, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects 18% of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Longer CKD duration increases HCV risk, potentially worsening kidney function and lowering hemoglobin. Routine HCV screening in pediatric CKD patients is recommended.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Nephrology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Hepatology

Background:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence varies globally, with Egypt reporting the highest rates.
  • Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects children, increasing their susceptibility to comorbidities.
  • Understanding HCV prevalence in pediatric CKD is crucial for disease management.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in children with chronic kidney disease (CKD).
  • To investigate the association between HCV infection and clinical/laboratory parameters in pediatric CKD patients.
  • To evaluate the impact of HCV infection on CKD progression and associated morbidities.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 50 non-dialysis pediatric CKD patients.
  • Comprehensive clinical evaluation, including medical history and physical examination.
  • Laboratory assessments included hemoglobin, AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, and eGFR.
  • HCV antibody detection using third-generation enzyme immunoassay (EIA).

Main Results:

  • Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies were detected in 18% (9 out of 50) of the pediatric CKD cohort.
  • HCV-positive children were older, had longer CKD duration, lower eGFR, lower hemoglobin, and higher ALT, urea, and creatinine levels.
  • HCV infection correlated with poorer renal function (lower eGFR) and increased hospital admission duration.

Conclusions:

  • 18% of children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV).
  • Longer duration of renal disease is a significant risk factor for HCV positivity in this population.
  • HCV infection in pediatric CKD may accelerate kidney function decline and negatively impact hemoglobin levels, necessitating routine screening.

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