Abstract:       (13241 Views)
                    
                    
                    Prevalence of HCV among thalassemia  patients 
in Shahid Bahonar Hospital, Karaj
Kashanchi Langarodi  M.1, Abdolrahim Poorheravi H.2
1Alborz University of Medical Science and  Health  Services, Karaj, Iran
 2General Physician 
Abstract
Background and Objectives
Although recent screening  policies have  markedly decreased the incidence of HCV infection in transfusion dependent thalassemia paitients, this problem is still one of the most important causes of mortality and morbidity in thalassemic patients.
Materials and Methods
A retrospective cross-sectional  study was conducted on 206  thalassemia   patients  referred to the Shahid Bahonar Hospital  during 2009-2010 .Serum specimens were tested with anti –HCV assay and RIBA –II  technique to asses HCV infection. Statistical analysis was done with SPSS18 (χ2 and T-test).
Results
The overall  prevalence  rate of anti-HCV was 15% )11 male, 20 female). Moreover 29 anti-HCV positive patients were RIBA –II positive(11 male, 18 female). All HCV affected patients but one had received their first transfusion before 1996 when HCV screening had became mandatory.
Conclusions
HCV infection rate compared with the general population is higher in multi transfused thalassemia  patients. Out of HCV infected thalassemias, 80% are at risk of  developing chronic liver diseases and fibrosis thus preventive measures such as blood donor screening for anti-HCV and stringent infection control procedures are crucial steps to be implemented for HCV prevention. 
Key words: Hepatitis C, Thalassemia,  Hepatitis C Antibodies
Sci J Iran Blood Transfus Org 2011 8(2): 137-142
Received: 26   Oct  2010
Accepted:   7  Feb  2011
Correspondence: Kashanchi Langarodi M., MD. Pediatrician, Alborz University of Medical Science and  Health  Services, Shahid  Bahonar  Hospital, Chaloos street. 
Postal Code: 3154686695, Karaj, Iran. Tel: (+98261)2500123 Fax: (+98261)2509255
E-mail: Mojgan.kashanchi@yahoo.com
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    Type of Study:  
Research |
                    Subject: 
                    
Infectious disease