Related Experiment Videos
Late seroconversion of C virus markers in hemodialysis patients
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody prevalence in hemodialysis patients increased over three years. Periodic screening is vital due to late seroconversion and potential transmission via transfusions or dialysis equipment.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Nephrology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant risk to hemodialysis patients.
- Understanding HCV transmission dynamics in this vulnerable population is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence and seroconversion rates of anti-HCV antibodies in hemodialysis patients.
- To investigate potential transmission routes, including transfusions and dialysis equipment.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 43 hemodialysis patients from 1988-1990.
- Serological testing for anti-HCV antibodies (IgG C virus C 100-3) at three time points.
- Monitoring of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels and transfusion history.
Main Results:
- Initial anti-HCV prevalence was 30%, with 9 new seroconversions over three years.
- Elevated ALT levels were common in both acute and chronic cases, but ALT lacked sensitivity for early diagnosis.
- Transfusions were implicated in transmission, alongside potential intra-dialysis contagion.
Conclusions:
- HCV transmission is a concern in hemodialysis settings.
- Late seroconversion necessitates regular serological monitoring.
- ALT is an unreliable marker for diagnosing HCV in hemodialysis patients.
Abstract:
We examined the prevalence of the IgG C virus C 100-3 antibody (anti-HCV) in a group of 43 patients on hemodialysis in our center during three periods: A: 1988; B: 1989; C: 1990. During period A, the anti-HCV prevalence was 30% (13 of 43 patients), these patients being regarded as chronic carriers of these antibodies. In period B, two patients displayed seroconversion, and another seven during period C, all of whom had tested negative during period A. These patients were considered acute. During the three years under study, all of the patients shared the same hemodialysis monitors. High ALT values were found in four of nine acute patients (44.4%) and nine of thirteen (69.23%) of the chronic patients. In 10 anti-HCV patients, hypertransaminemia continued long-term (> 6 months). Two patients had been given contaminated blood, four were multi-transfused (> 14 transfusions), two less than 4 units, and one had never received a transfusion. The period between the initial high and/or maximum ALT and the determination of HCV Ac was up to 10 to 11 months in three patients. These findings indicate the lack of sensitivity of ALTs as a diagnostic tool for HCV, the possible late C 100-3 seroconversion, which makes it necessary to carry out periodic serological checks in hemodialysis patients and the decisive role transfusions in HCV transmission, without excluding other possible intra-dialysis contagion sources.