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[Epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of patients with hepatitis type C on the bases of selected parameters]
W Warunek1, M Librant-Suska, J Krukowiecki
1Katedra i Klinika Chorób Zakaźnych, Collegium Medicum UJ.
Insights
Nosocomial transmission of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a significant concern, with surgery and hospitalization posing major risks. Many acute HCV infections are asymptomatic, often progressing to chronic disease, increasing the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer.
Area of Science:
- Epidemiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection poses a significant public health challenge.
- Understanding transmission routes is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients with Hepatitis C.
- To identify risk factors and transmission pathways for HCV infection in a hospital setting.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 107 patients hospitalized with Hepatitis C between 1991 and 1995.
- Categorization of cases into acute and chronic Hepatitis C.
- Identification of potential sources of nosocomial infection.
Main Results:
- 59% of Hepatitis C cases were nosocomial infections.
- Surgery (28%) and hospitalization in non-operative wards (17%) were identified as significant risk factors.
- Blood product transfusion and medical staff were also identified as potential transmission risks.
- Approximately one-third of patients had no clear infection route.
- 70% of acute HCV infections were asymptomatic.
- 79% of acute Hepatitis C cases progressed to chronic Hepatitis C, with 64% showing active disease.
Conclusions:
- Nosocomial transmission is a major contributor to Hepatitis C cases.
- Asymptomatic acute infections frequently lead to chronic Hepatitis C.
- Chronic Hepatitis C carries a long-term risk of developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
Abstract:
We present dates of epidemiological and clinical analysis of patients with chronic hepatitis C. 107 patients were hospitalized in our Chair and Department of Infectious Diseases CM UJ since 1991 till 1995. 41 cases were diagnosed as acute viral hepatitis C and 66 as chronic hepatitis C. In our material 59% cases were nosocomial infections. The certain risk in this group was the surgery (28% of patients). Next possibility of transmission HCV was hospitalization in nonoperative ward (17%). The patients receiving blood or blood products were the next significant risk group of HCV infection. Medical staff is still a certain risk group. About 1/3 of patients have no obvious route of infection. In 70% of patients with hepatitis have the acute phase of HCV infection without any symptoms. 79% cases of acute hepatitis C tends to chronic hepatitis, with high percent of active disease (64%) which can lead after years to cirrhosis or even to hepatocellular carcinoma.