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Kenfack-Momo R, Ngounoue MD, Kenmoe S, Takuissu GR, Ebogo-Belobo JT, Kengne-Ndé C, Mbaga DS, Zeuko’o Menkem E, Lontuo Fogang R, Tchatchouang S, Ndzie Ondigui JL, Kame-Ngasse GI, Kenfack-Zanguim J, Magoudjou-Pekam JN, Bowo-Ngandji A, Mahamat M, Nkie Esemu S, Ndip L, Njouom R. Global epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in dialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0284169. [PMID: 38330063 PMCID: PMC10852299 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Dialysis is a replacement therapy for patients with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). Patients on dialysis are at high risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV), which has become a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in this population. There is a wide range of prevalence of HCV in dialysis populations around the world. It is still unknown how prevalent HCV infection is among worldwide dialysis patients (including those undergoing hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis). A review was conducted to estimate the global epidemiology of hepatitis C in dialysis patients. We searched PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Global Index Medicus and Web of Science until October 2022. A manual search of references from relevant articles was also conducted. Heterogeneity was evaluated by the χ2 test on Cochrane's Q statistic, and the sources of heterogeneity were investigated using subgroup analysis. In order to assess publication bias, funnel plots and Egger tests were conducted, and pooled HCV prevalence estimates were generated using a DerSimonian and Laird meta-analysis model. The study is registered with PROSPERO under CRD42022237789. We included 634 papers involving 392160 participants. The overall HCV case fatality rate was 38.7% (95% CI = 28.9-49). The global prevalence of HCV infection in dialysis population group were 24.3% [95% CI = 22.6-25.9]. As indicated by UNSD region, country, dialysis type, and HCV diagnostic targeted; Eastern Europe had the highest prevalence of 48.6% [95% CI = 35.2-62], Indonesia had 63.6% [95% CI = 42.9-82], hemodialysis patients had 25.5% [95% CI = 23.8-27.3], and anti-HCV were detected in 24.5% [95% CI = 22.8-26.2]. Dialysis patients, particularly those on hemodialysis, have a high prevalence and case fatality rate of HCV infection. Hemodialysis units need to implement strict infection control measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raoul Kenfack-Momo
- Department of Biochemistry, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | - Sebastien Kenmoe
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Guy Roussel Takuissu
- Centre for Food, Food Security and Nutrition Research, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Jean Thierry Ebogo-Belobo
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Cyprien Kengne-Ndé
- Epidemiological Surveillance, Evaluation and Research Unit, National AIDS Control Committee, Douala, Cameroon
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ginette Irma Kame-Ngasse
- Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plants Studies, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | | | | | - Arnol Bowo-Ngandji
- Department of Microbiology, The University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroon
| | - Maimouna Mahamat
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Yaoundé 1, Yaoundé, Cameroon
- Hemodialysis Unit, Yaoundé General Hospital, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | | | - Lucy Ndip
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, University of Buea, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Richard Njouom
- Virology Department, Centre Pasteur of Cameroon, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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Flower B, Du Hong D, Vu Thi Kim H, Pham Minh K, Geskus RB, Day J, Cooke GS. Seroprevalence of Hepatitis B, C and D in Vietnam: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. WESTERN PACIFIC 2022; 24:100468. [PMID: 35573318 PMCID: PMC9096228 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanwpc.2022.100468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/30/2022]
Abstract
Background Vietnam has one of the greatest disease burdens from chronic viral hepatitis. Comprehensive prevalence data are essential to support its elimination as a public health threat. Methods We searched Medline and Embase from 1990 to 2021 for seroprevalence data relating to Hepatitis B (HBV), C (HCV) and D (HDV) in Vietnam. We estimated pooled prevalence with a DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model and stratified study populations into i) low-risk ii) high-risk exposure and iii) liver disease. We further estimated prevalence by decade and region and rates of HIV-coinfection. Findings We analysed 72 studies, including 120 HBV, 114 HCV and 23 HDV study populations. Pooled HBV prevalence was low in blood donors (1.86% [1.82-1.90]) but high in antenatal populations (10.8% [10.1-11.6]) and adults in the general population (10.5% [10.0-11.0]). It was similar or modestly increased in groups at highest risk of exposure, suggesting the epidemic is largely driven by chronic infections acquired in childhood. HCV pooled prevalence in the general population was lower than historical estimates: 0.26% (0.09-0.51) have active infection defined by detectable antigen or HCV RNA. In contrast, there is an extremely high prevalence of active HCV infection in people who inject drugs (PWID) (57.8% [56.5-59.1]), which has persisted through the decades despite harm-reduction interventions. HDV appears mainly confined to high-risk groups. Interpretation Blood safety has improved, but renewed focus on HBV vaccination at birth and targeted HCV screening and treatment of PWID are urgently required to meet elimination targets. Large cross-sectional studies are needed to better characterize HDV prevalence, but mass screening may not be warranted. Funding This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barnaby Flower
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,Imperial College London, UK,Corresponding author. Barnaby Flower, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, 764 Vo Van Kiet, Phuong 1, Quan 5, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
| | - Duc Du Hong
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Hang Vu Thi Kim
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | | | - Ronald B Geskus
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam,Centre for Tropical Medicine and Global Health, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jeremy Day
- Oxford University Clinical Research Unit, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Kalita D, Deka S, Chamuah K, Ahmed G. Laboratory Evaluation of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Patients Undergoing Hemodialysis from North East India. J Clin Exp Hepatol 2022; 12:475-482. [PMID: 35535106 PMCID: PMC9077174 DOI: 10.1016/j.jceh.2021.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Subjects undergoing hemodialysis have enhanced vulnerability to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection due to invasive procedures and poor infection control practices. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent cross-infection and mortality/morbidity. However, common use anti-HCV antibody tests lack the necessary accuracy, and alternative tests (e.g. core antigen detection kits) which are available need to be examined as a viable alternative. METHOD A total of 270 continuous serum samples were collected from patients undergoing dialysis within 15 months of study period. Sequentially, multiple tests were performed - immunochromatography-based rapid test, third-generation ELISA i.e. (anti-HCV antibody detection), fourth-generation ELISA (HCV antigen-antibody combined detection assay), and HCV RNA quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay. Diagnostic parameters of serological kits were compared in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), accuracy, and so on. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences was used. RESULTS HCV-combined core antigen-antibody assays performed better than other serological assays in reference to the gold standard HCV RNA. This fourth-generation assay yielded a Kappa value of 0.947 compared with the value of 0.747 and 0.619 for anti-HCV ELISA and rapid detection test. Other parameters such as sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, and so on were also better for fourth-generation ELISA compared with third-generation ELISA and other serological assays. HCV RNA was negative in 7.3% of anti-HCV-positive patients and was detected in 11.4% of anti-HCV ELISA-negative patients. In about 1.6% of HCV RNA-positive cases, fourth-generation ELISA was negative and had low HCV viral load (650 IU/ml and below). Fourth generation ELISA detected additional 7.4% HCV positive cases (compared to third generation kits) and upon cost effective analyis, additional cost to be bear for the better detection (by fourth generation kit) was found to be only INR 27 per 1% increased case detection. CONCLUSION In resource scant setup, screening and follow-up of patients undergoing hemodialysis can be performed by fourth-generation HCV ELISA (antigen-antibody combined assay) instead of the current practice of anti-HCV antibody ELISA. Better yield in detection rate will compensate for slight addition to costs.
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Key Words
- ALT, alanine aminotransferase
- AST, aspartate aminotransferase
- CI, confidence interval
- GGT, gamma-glutamyl transferase
- HBV, hepatitis B virus
- HBsAg, hepatitis B virus surface antigen
- HCV RNA
- HCV core antigen
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- HIV, human immunodeficieny virus
- ICT, immunochromatography
- LQ, lower quartile
- NAT, nucleic acid amplification test
- NPV, negative predictive value
- OCI, occult hepatitis infection
- PCR, polymerase chain reaction
- PPV, positive predictive value
- PWID, persons who inject drug
- RDT, rapid detection test
- SD, standard deviation
- UQ, upper quartile
- anti-HCV antibodies
- dialysis patient
- viral load
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Affiliation(s)
- Deepjyoti Kalita
- Dept. of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Virbhadra Road, Rishikesh 249203, Uttarakhand, India
- Address for correspondence: Dr. Deepjyoti Kalita, Associate Professor, Dept. of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Virbhadra Road, Rishikesh 249203, Uttarakhand, India.
| | - Sangeeta Deka
- Dept. of Microbiology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Virbhadra Road, Rishikesh 249203, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Kailash Chamuah
- State Level Viral Research and Diagnostic Laboratory (VRDL), Gauhati Medical College & Hospital, Guwahati, PO: Indrapur, 781005, Guwahati, India
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Fabrizi F, Cerutti R, Messa P. Updated Evidence on the Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus in Hemodialysis. Pathogens 2021; 10:pathogens10091149. [PMID: 34578181 PMCID: PMC8468134 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens10091149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Prevalence rates of HCV infection are decreasing in hemodialysis units of most developed countries; however, nosocomial transmission of HCV continues to occur in the hemodialysis setting, not only in the emerging world. According to the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study (DOPPS, 2012–2015), the prevalence of HCV among patients on regular hemodialysis was 9.9%; in incident patients, the frequency of HCV was approximately 5%. Outbreaks of HCV have been investigated by epidemiologic and phylogenetic data obtained by sequencing of the HCV genome; no single factor was retrieved as being associated with nosocomial transmission of HCV within hemodialysis units. Transmission of HCV within HD units can be prevented successfully by full compliance with infection control practices; also, antiviral treatment and serologic screening for anti-HCV can be useful in achieving this aim. Infection control practices in hemodialysis units include barrier precautions to prevent exposure to blood-borne pathogens and other procedures specific to the hemodialysis environment. Isolating HCV-infected hemodialysis patients or using dedicated dialysis machines for HCV-infected patients are not currently recommended; reuse of dialyzers of HCV-infected patients should be made, according to recent guidelines. Randomized controlled trials regarding the impact of isolation on the risk of transmission of HCV to hemodialysis patients have not been published to date. At least two studies showed complete elimination of de novo HCV within HD units by implementation of strict infection control practices without isolation practices. De novo HCV within hemodialysis units has been independently associated with facility HCV prevalence, dialysis vintage, and low staff-to-patient ratio. Antiviral treatment of HCV-infected patients on hemodialysis should not replace the implementation of barrier precautions and other routine hemodialysis unit procedures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Fabrizi
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (R.C.); (P.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-2-55034553; Fax: +39-2-55034550
| | - Roberta Cerutti
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (R.C.); (P.M.)
| | - Piergiorgio Messa
- Department of Nephrology, Dialysis and Renal Transplantation, Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (R.C.); (P.M.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20137 Milan, Italy
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Irekeola AA, Malek NA, Wada Y, Mustaffa N, Muhamad NI, Shueb RH. Prevalence of HCV genotypes and subtypes in Southeast Asia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0251673. [PMID: 34014997 PMCID: PMC8136688 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0251673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Known for its high genetic diversity and variation in genotypic presence in different regions of the world, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is estimated to infect about 71 million people globally. Selection of an appropriate therapeutic regimen largely depends on the identification of the genotype responsible for the infection. This systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to provide a comprehensive view of HCV genotype and subtype distribution in Southeast Asia (SEA). The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA). We searched five databases without year and language restrictions. Data from 90 eligible studies involving 15,089 genotypes and 9,646 subtypes representing 10 SEA countries were analyzed. The pooled estimates showed that genotype 1 (46.8%) [95% CI, 43.2–50.4; I2 = 92.77%; p < 0.001] was the most dominant HCV genotype in the region, followed by genotype 3 (23.1%) [95% CI, 19.4–27.2; I2 = 93.03%; p < 0.001], genotype 6 (16.5%) [95% CI, 13.8–19.6], genotype 2 (4.6%) [95% CI, 3.5–5.9], genotype 4 (1.1%) [95% CI, 0.7–1.5] and genotype 5 (0.8%) [95% CI, 0.4–1.3]. Philippines had the highest prevalence of genotypes 1 and 2. Genotype 6 became more prevalent after year 2000. Over 40 different subtypes were identified, with subtypes 1b (26.3%), 1a (21.3%), and 3a (14.3%) being the most prevalent of all the reported subtypes. Although on a global scale, genotype 6 is considered highly prevalent in SEA, evidence from this study reveals that it is the third most prevalent genotype within the region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Adebayo Irekeola
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Microbiology Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural and Applied Sciences, Summit University Offa, Offa Kwara State, Nigeria
| | - Nurul Adila Malek
- Department of Pathology, Hospital Sultanah Nur Zahirah, Kuala Terengganu, Terengganu, Malaysia
| | - Yusuf Wada
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria
| | - Nazri Mustaffa
- Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Nur Izat Muhamad
- Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Rafidah Hanim Shueb
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Parasitology, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- Institute for Research in Molecular Medicine (INFORMM), Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
- * E-mail:
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Hepatitis C in Chronic Kidney Disease: An Overview of the KDIGO Guideline. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 18:2158-2167. [PMID: 31376491 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2019.07.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a global health problem with significant health and economic burden, which can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD) and affect multiple organ systems. In addition, prevalence of hepatitis C remains higher in patients with CKD, including those on chronic hemodialysis and in individuals with a kidney transplant than in the general population. There has been a dramatic shift in the management of hepatitis C since Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) published its 2008 guideline for the prevention, diagnosis and management of hepatitis C in CKD. As a result, KDIGO published in 2018 an update to this guideline. In this narrative review, we present a synopsis of the guideline, including recommendations for screening and detection of HCV in CKD, treatment of HCV in patients with CKD, treatment of HCV before and after kidney transplantation, prevention of HCV transmission in hemodialysis units, and treatment of kidney disease related to HCV infection. We focus on the clinical aspects of using direct acting antivirals (DAAs) in patients with advanced CKD (G4 and G5), those on dialysis and kidney transplant recipients. We emphasize the importance of carefully managing drug-drug interactions between DAAs and immunosuppressive agents. We discuss timing of HCV treatment before vs. after kidney transplantation. Finally, we highlight areas of uncertainty where further research is needed before any definitive recommendations can be made.
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Bura M, Łagiedo-Żelazowska M, Michalak M, Mozer-Lisewska I, Grzegorzewska AE. Exposure to hepatitis E virus in hemodialysis patients from west-central Poland. J Med Virol 2020; 92:1363-1368. [PMID: 32017168 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Hepatitis E virus (HEV) causes travel-related but also locally acquired infections in industrialized parts of the world, including European countries. Food and blood transfusions are possible sources of transmission. Infections caused by zoonotic variants of the virus (particularly HEV-3) may progress to chronic liver disease in a nonnegligible proportion of immunocompromised people. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of serological markers of HEV infection in 189 patients on renal replacement therapy (RRT, currently on hemodialysis, HD) living in west-central Poland and to determine the factors related to HEV exposure in this group. Testing was carried out using commonly used commercial assays (Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise Co, Beijing, China). Anti-HEV IgG was detected in 94 patients (49.7%); none of the participants had anti-HEV IgM or HEV Ag. Patients on RRT (HD) for less than 6 months were significantly more likely to be anti-HEV IgG-positive than dependent of RRT (HD) for more than half a year (80% vs 47%; P = .014). Exposure to HEV in patients from west-central Poland is frequent, but no clear sources of this infection have been identified. There were no serological features of ongoing liver disease caused by HEV in the study subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maciej Bura
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immunodeficiencies, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | | | - Michał Michalak
- Department of Computer Science and Statistics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Iwona Mozer-Lisewska
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Hepatology and Acquired Immunodeficiencies, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Alicja E Grzegorzewska
- Chair and Department of Nephrology, Transplantology and Internal Diseases, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Duong MC, Nguyen VTT, Otsu S, McLaws ML. Prevalence of hepatitis B and C virus infections in hemodialysis patients in Vietnam: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JGH OPEN 2019; 4:29-38. [PMID: 32055694 PMCID: PMC7008166 DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Background and Aim Chronic hemodialysis patients are at high risk of contracting hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) virus infections. In Vietnam, the seroprevalence of HBV and HCV infections is approximately 10 and 4%, respectively. Although the chronic hemodialysis population is increasing, relatively little epidemiology is available for HBV and HCV infections in this population. To address this, we reviewed the current literature on the magnitude of these infections in the hemodialysis population in Vietnam. Methods Four databases were used to search for publications containing the prevalence of HBV and/or HCV infections in hemodialysis patients in Vietnam. Grey literature search was utilized to identify local publications. Prevalence and 95% confidence interval were used or calculated, and a meta‐analysis was conducted on HBV and HCV prevalence for comparison. Results Sixteen studies were included in the review. The search identified knowledge gaps in the current literature. Available data show that HBV and HCV infections remain prevalent in the hemodialysis population. HBV prevalence is not different between the north and the south of Vietnam. The pattern of HCV prevalence is different, with recent reports of lower prevalence in the south than in the north, while HCV prevalence varies between hemodialysis units in the same regions. Conclusions A national prevalence survey of hemodialysis patients would improve the reliability and generalizability of the findings. However, the review confirmed that both HBV and HCV were prevalent in hemodialysis patients. The findings support a reinforcement of infection prevention to minimize the risk of HBV and HCV transmission in hemodialysis facilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minh C Duong
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
| | | | | | - Mary-Louise McLaws
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine University of New South Wales Sydney New South Wales Australia
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