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[Hepatitis caused by virus C. Risk factors]
M E Garassini1, Y Pulgar, M Alvarado
1Departamento de Gastroenterología, Hospital Militar Dr. Carlos Arvelo, Caracas, Venezuela.
Insights
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection risk factors in our population include blood transfusions, hemodialysis, and major surgery. Other potential transmission routes like drug use or sexual behavior were not identified as significant risks.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) poses a significant global health challenge.
- Identifying specific risk factors is crucial for targeted prevention strategies.
- Previous research indicates diverse transmission routes for HCV.
Purpose:
- To investigate and establish the primary risk factors for Hepatitis C virus infection within a defined patient population.
- To analyze the association between various potential risk factors and HCV seropositivity.
Summary:
- A study of 120 patients identified blood transfusion, hemodialysis, and major surgery as significant risk factors for HCV infection.
- HCV-infected patients frequently reported past blood transfusions (60%) and hemodialysis (35%).
- Intravenous drug use, tattoos, sexual behavior, and vertical transmission were not found to be significant risk factors in this cohort.
Impact:
- Findings aid in refining public health guidelines for HCV prevention.
- Highlights the importance of screening and safety measures in healthcare settings involving blood products and surgical procedures.
- Informs clinical practice regarding patient history assessment for HCV risk stratification.
Abstract:
To establish the risk factors to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, we studied 120 patients divided in 2 groups: A first group of 40 patients with HCV infection, 24 (60%) with past medical history of blood transfusion, 14 (35%) of them also had hemodialysis and 3 Kidney transplant. 10 patients (25%) had mayor surgery without transfusion, 3 had frequent visits to the dentist and 3 month baby whose mother was HCV positive. In 4 patients we found no risk factors. A second group of 80 patients who visit our clinic for the first time, 2 were found positive for HCV (1.6%). 13 of them had blood transfusion, one was HCV+ (OR: 5.5, P = 0.73). 41 had history of mayor surgery, one HCV+ (OR: 0.95, P = 1.000). The risk factors related to HCV infection in our population were blood transfusion, hemodialysis and mayor surgery. The use of EV drugs, tatoos, sexual behavior, interfamiliar or vertical transmission were not risk factor in our population.