Hepatitis C: reality of a renal unit. |
| |
| Authors: | O Bracchi E Orazi G P Lupi C Bronzieri L Cornalba C Grassi |
| |
| Institution: | Servizio di Nefrologia e Dialisi, Ospedale Predabissi, Melegnano, Italy. |
| |
| Abstract: | Hepatitis C virus (HCV) seems to be the most important agent of non-A, non-B hepatitis. This study was undertaken to assess the prevalence of hepatitis C in our renal unit. Twelve patients (29%) had antibodies against HCV (anti-HCV). Seropositive patients were on hemodialysis for a longer period than seronegatives. Statistically significant associations with anti-HCV were: blood transfusions, at least 1 episode of elevated value of transaminases (2-fold) and fluctuations of transaminases. Our findings confirm the high prevalence of anti-HCV in hemodialyzed patients, the importance of parenteral transmission and the high probability of liver disease in anti-HCV-positive patients. |
| |
| Keywords: | |
|
|
