Scientific Journal of

 Abstract

  Background and Objectives

  Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is one of the most prevalent causes of viral hepatitis in haemodialysis (HD) and kidney transplant patients. In average, 20% of HD patients are infected with HCV. But this prevalence differs in various areas of the world. The aim of this study is to assess prevalence and risk factors of HCV infection in HD patients.

  Materials and Methods

  This descriptive cross-sectional study was performed on 89 HD patients in Ghazvin in 1383. Risk factors were assessed for each patient. Then, blood samples of these subjects were evaluated for Anti-HCV Ab by ELISA and RIBA. In analysis of t-test, Chi² and Fisher exact were used. Logistic regression was also conducted to predict infection with HC.

  Results

  There were 45 (50.6%) female and 44 (49.4%) male subjects. Age average was 50.97 (SD=14.94). Anti-HCV Ab in 9 (10.3%) patients was positive by ELISA. Along risk factors, marital status, date of first blood transfusion attempt (before 1375 according to Iranian calendar ), frequency of blood transfusion (above 20 times), and HD duration had significant correlation with hepatitis C infection (p=0.002, p=0.003, p=0.032, and p= 0.00 respectively).

  Conclusions

  According to this study, the prevalence of hepatitis C in HD patients in Ghazvin was 6.4% that shows decrease in rate of infection in comparison to 23.9% in 1380. Because of various side effects and restricted efficacy of available drugs, prevention considering risk factors is necessary.

  Key words: Hepatitis C virus, Haemodialysis patient, Prevalence