Hepatitis C in Hemodialysis Centers of Golestan Province, Northeast of Iran (2005)

Background and aims: nosocomial transmission of blood-borne pathogens is common in a dialysis setting. hepatitis cvirus (hcv) infection is a common problem that increases morbidity and mortality in hemodialysis patients. bloodtransfusion and the duration of hemodialysis are the most important factors in hcv transmission. the aim of the studywas to determine the incidence rate of hcv antibody in hemodialysis patients and its association with some factors.methods: in this descriptive-analytical study, hcv antibody was measured in 93 hemodialysis patients in all hospitalsaffiliated to golestan university of medical sciences. standard infection prevention measures in hospital settings anddialysis units were performed including serologic testing for hcv antibody for every new patient in the dialysis unit aswell as routine testing of all patients. negative cases of hepatitis c antibody (confirmed with elisa 2nd generation andriba ii immunoblot methods) were selected and followed for 18 months. some predisposing factors such astransfusion, duration of hemodialysis, medical procedures including surgery, transplantation, invasive odontology,suspicious sexual contact, diagnostic or therapeutic manipulation, tattooing, and iv drug abuse, were registered andconsidered. other rare procedures like acupuncture, manicure and pedicure, blood brotherhood rituals, perinatal riskfactors, common circumcision rituals and history of abortion were also considered. we used a tight control policythrough the separation of the rooms within the unit, specific hemodialysis apparatus for suspicious patients and aseparate staff caring for the patients. we maintained a low rate of staff turnover in dialysis units and tried to controlhepatitis b viral infection.results: marital status and living area were significantly related to hcv antibody positivity. it means that more hcvantibody positive cases were observed in married people in urban areas. history of tattooing, medical proceduresincluding surgery, transplantation, invasive odontology and iv drug usage were not significantly related to hcvantibody status. during the follow up, three cases (4.3%) converted to positive. there was a relationship betweennumbers of hemodialysis per week and hcv antibody positivity (p