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[Hepatitis B and C virus infections in children with congenital coagulation disorders]
S Alegría1, M Morales, J Vildósola
1Sección de Gastroenterología, Hospital Roberto del Río, Santiago de Chile.
Insights
Children with congenital coagulation disorders have high rates of hepatitis B and C virus infections, especially older children receiving more blood transfusions. This highlights a significant risk group for these blood-borne viral infections.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Pediatrics
- Hematology
Background:
- Blood transfusions are essential for managing congenital coagulation disorders.
- Hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV) are significant transfusion-transmitted infections.
- Children with these disorders may have increased exposure to contaminated blood products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in children with congenital coagulation disorders.
- To identify risk factors associated with these viral infections in the studied population.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 79 children with congenital coagulation disorders.
- Serological testing for evidence of HBV and HCV infection.
- Analysis of infection rates based on age and number of blood transfusions.
Main Results:
- 29% of children showed evidence of HBV infection.
- 52% of children showed evidence of HCV infection.
- Higher infection rates were observed in older children and those who received more blood transfusions.
Conclusions:
- Children with congenital coagulation disorders are a high-risk group for HBV and HCV infections.
- Transfusion history and patient age are critical factors influencing infection risk.
- Screening and prevention strategies are crucial for this vulnerable pediatric population.
Abstract:
The prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections, transmitted by blood transfusions, was studied in 79 children with congenital coagulation disorders. Twenty nine percent had evidences of hepatitis B virus infection and 52% evidences of hepatitis C virus infection. Older children and those with the higher number of transfusions had the highest rates of infections. It is concluded that children with congenital coagulation disorders constitute a high risk group for hepatitis B and C virus infections.