Original scientific paper

PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF HEPATITIS C INFECTED PATIENTS ON HEMODIALYSIS

HALIMA RESIĆ ; Department of Hemodialysis, Sarajevo Clinical Center, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
FAHRUDIN MAŠNIĆ ; Department of Hemodialysis, Sarajevo Clinical Center, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
ZORA VUKOBRAT-BIJEDIĆ ; Department of Gastroenterology, Sarajevo Clinical Center, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
NIHAD KUKAVICA ; Department of Hemodialysis, Sarajevo Clinical Center, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
AIDA ĆORIĆ ; Department of Hemodialysis, Sarajevo Clinical Center, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
AMELA BEĆIRAGIĆ ; Department of Hemodialysis, Sarajevo Clinical Center, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina
SELMA AJANOVIĆ ; Department of Hemodialysis, Sarajevo Clinical Center, University of Sarajevo, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina

Abstract

Introduction: Hepatitis C virus infection (HCV) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Patients and Methods: In this prospective, observational study, 205 patients, 37 (18%) of them with chronic HCV infection, were followed up for a one-year period at Department of Hemodialysis, Sarajevo Clinical Center, University of Sarajevo. The following parameters were analyzed: dialysis duration, sex, PCR RNA, HCV genotypes and biochemical parameters. Thirteen anti-HCV PCR RNA positive patients were treated with pegylated interferon alpha (Pegasys®, Hoffman-La Roche). The goal of therapy was to reach sustained virologic response. The presence of anti-HCV antibodies in serum was detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
Results: Of 37 anti-HCV positive patients, there were 20 (54%) males and 17 (45.9%) females with the mean hemodialysis duration of 143.67±57.64 months and mean age of 54.45±8.93 years. Of 37 anti-HCV positive patients, 30 (81.08%) patients were HCV RNA PCR positive. Among HCV RNA PCR positive patients, two had up to twofold elevated ALT values, one had twofold elevated AST values, and one had sixfold elevated GGT values. Thirteen RNA PCR positive patients were treated with pegylated interferon alfa for 48 weeks. Only one patient had genotype 1 virus. Upon therapy completion, only three patients were negative by PCR RNA (genotype 1b, 23.07%) at six months and yearly follow ups remained PCR negative. Conclusion: Sustained virologic response was achieved in three study patients. Monitoring guidelines for infection control, isolation of seropositive patients, and strict hygienic preventive measures can prevent HCV seroconversion in hemodialysis patients.

Keywords

hepatitis C infection; hemodialysis; prevention; HCV RNA PCR; pegylated interferon

Hrčak ID:

97359

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/97359

Publication date:

14.2.2013.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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