[Hepatitis in dialysis wards (author's transl)]

The endemic spread of hepatitis B is a big problem of many hemodialysis wards. Dialysis patients have mild, often anicteric diseases, but the number of chronic types among them with persistent HBs Ag is particularly high. The high proportion of clinically unapparent hepatitis affections and HBs carriers favors the endemic spread of hepatitis B in dialysis wards. By reduction of the number of blood transfusions, by the use of suitable equipment, segregation of HBs Ag positive patients from negative patients and strict maintenance of hygienic rules by patients and personnel the incidence of hepatitis B can be markedly lowered. Passive immunity by means of gammaglobulin containing a high-titer of anti-HBs is possible, but as yet there is no active immunization.