HCV infection in haemodialysis patients: Prevalence and risk factor analysis

Abstract

Introduction:  Dialysis patients have a higher rate of HCV infection.² This study was carried out to find out the prevalence of HCV infection in patients on chronic haemodialysis and to identify the risk factors for HCV transmission in this patient group. Methods: This prospective cross sectional study was carried out in the haemodialysis units and the department of Gastrointestinal, Hepatobiliary and pancreatic disorders (GHPD) of BIRDEM hospital, during the period of March 2006 to March 2007. A total of 72 end stage renal disease patients of both sexes and all ages on maintenance heamodialysis for more than three months were enrolled.  A pre-designed questionnaire comprising demographic, dialysis-specific, medical history and life style variables was filled up. Predialysis five (5) ml blood were taken from the arterial channel for anti-HCV (ELISA) test. P-value <0.05 was considered as significant. Results: The prevalence of HCV infection in patients on chronic haemodialysis was 23.6%. There was no statistical significance (p=0.133^ns) between anti-HCV positivity and age and sex distribution. The association between HCV status and the total number of units of blood transfused, mean duration of haemodialysis and life-style risk factors for HCV transmission were statistically significant. Conclusion: In our study, the prevalence of HCV infection in patients on chronic haemodialysis was 23.6%. The haemodialysis patients in our dialysis unit have an infection rate 8-12 fold more than general population. The association between the total number of units of blood transfused, mean duration of haemodialysis, and presence of one or more risk factors and HCV positivity were statistically significant.

J. Dhaka National Med. Coll. Hos. 2014;20(01): 9-14