Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C virus infection in haemodialysis patients: a multicentre study in 2796 patients

Molecular Analysis and Ex Vivo Infectivity of Seronegative Occult Hepatitis C Virus: A Study in Single Haemodialysis Centre

Background

In occult hepatitis C virus infection (OCI), hepatitis C virus ribonucleic acid (HCV RNA) is detectable in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) but is not evident in serum or plasma. Understanding of OCI in patients with seronegative anti-HCV antibodies is limited.

Methods

In this study, six HCV isolates from haemodialysis (HD) patients with seronegative OCI were identified by molecular assays and phylogenetic analysis. The virus infectivity was assessed ex vivo using a primary naïve PBMC culture system. HCV isolates obtained from the PBMCs of 10 patients with chronic HCV infection (CCI) were characterised concurrently and used as positive controls in the cell culture.

Results

Sequence analysis of the 5' untranslated region (UTR) and non-structural 5B (NS5B) region revealed that HCV genotype 3 was the most prevalent virus type in both the OCI and CCI groups. One of the occult HCV isolates was identified as a mixed type. The mean viral load (log10 RNA copies/106 cells) in the PBMC samples of the OCI group (M = 3.4, SD = 0.7) was lower than that of the CCI group (M = 4.6, SD = 1.7). Upon culture, de novo OCI-HCV replicates were detected in five out of six naïve PBMC cultures. Analysis of the replicates showed a single guanine addition in the domain III of 5'-UTR but the overall molecular structure was retained.

Conclusion

Seronegative OCI is an active form of infection that replicates at a low level in PBMCs. Seronegative OCI may share the same route of transmission as CCI. The retained viral competency may have an implication for its persistence.

Global epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in dialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

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.

Hepatitis C Seroconversion Remains High among Patients with Regular Hemodialysis: Study of Associated Risk Factors

METHODS

An analytical cross-sectional study involving patients from 2 dialysis units (1 referral hospital and 1 private dialysis unit) in Denpasar, Bali, Indonesia, from January 2020 to December 2021. We evaluated age, gender, duration of hemodialysis, vascular access, history of transfusion, history of surgery, diabetes mellitus, hepatitis B, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, and type of dialyzer as possible risk factors of hepatitis C seroconversion among hemodialysis patients.

RESULTS

A total of 338 hemodialysis patients were enrolled in this study. We found hepatitis C seroconversion in 94 patients (27.8%), all of which occurred after regular dialysis was started. Vascular access type (OR 42.07, 95% CI 5.757-307.472) and dialyzer reuse (OR 8.324, 95% CI 4.319-16.044) were showing a statistically significant association with hepatitis C seroconversion. A separate analysis on each dialysis unit found common evidence that the duration of dialysis was significantly associated with hepatitis C infection among hemodialysis patients.

CONCLUSION

Hepatitis C seroconversion among dialysis patients remains high. Factors related to the dialysis procedure itself played a major role in transmitting the virus.

Prevalent coinfection and associated factors for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, and Human Immunodeficiency Virus in patients submitted to renal replacement therapy: A cross-sectional study of 21 dialysis units in the State of Mexico

BACKGROUND

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) predispose to viral coinfections in patients submitted to renal replacement therapy (RRT); nevertheless, few reports have been performed to elucidate the current epidemiology within this population in Mexico.

AIM

To estimate the prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV coinfection and to explore factors associated with prevalent coinfection in patients living with renal failure undergoing to RRT.

METHODS

A multicenter cross-sectional recruitment across 21 units at the Mexican Institute of Social Security (IMSS) at the State of Mexico was performed during 2019. A standardized clinical questionnaire was performed to elucidate individual and relatives-related conditions. A treatment facility questionnaire was applied to the chief responsible of each unit to explore treatment facility variables. Serological testing, clinical, biochemical, and anthropometrical parameters were extracted from clinical records.

RESULT

In 1,304 patients (57.5% male, mean age 45.5 (SD: 15.6) years, and 95.8% in hemodialysis), the prevalence of any viral coinfection was 3.14% (95% CI: 2.32%-4.23%). The highest viral coinfection prevalence were for HCV, HBV, and HIV, in which men and subjects diagnosed after 2010's had the highest rates. We identify that being submitted to peritoneal dialysis, being treated in a surrogated dialysis center and living with a close relative with prior hepatitis coinfection were associated factors for any viral coinfection.

CONCLUSION

In patients submitted to RRT, the prevalence of viral coinfection remains high compared with general population. Screening strategies, medical awareness and targeted public healthcare policies should prioritize better care practices within patients submitted to RRT in Mexico.

Molecular characterization and genotyping of hepatitis C virus from Sudanese end-stage renal disease patients on haemodialysis

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global public health problem, with ~ 11 million people in Africa infected. There is incomplete information on HCV in Sudan, particularly in haemodialysis patients, who have a higher prevalence compared to the general population. Thus, our objectives were to genotype and molecularly characterize HCV isolated from end-stage renal disease haemodialysis patients.

Methods

A total of 541 patients were recruited from eight haemodialysis centres in Khartoum and screened for anti-HCV. Viral loads were determined using in-house real-time PCR in seropositive patients. HCV was genotyped and subtyped using sequencing of amplicons of 5′ untranslated (UTR) and non-structural protein 5B (NS5B) regions, followed by phylogenetic analysis of corresponding sequences.

Results

The HCV seroprevalence in the study was 17% (93/541), with HCV RNA-positive viremic rate of 7% (40/541). A low HCV load, with a mean of 2.85 × 104 IU/ml and a range of 2.95 × 103 to 4.78 × 106 IU/ml, was detected. Phylogenetic analyses showed the presence of genotypes 1, 3, 4, and 5 with subtypes 1a, 1b, 1 g, 3a, 4a, 4 l, 4 m, 4 s, and 4t. Sequences of HCV from the same haemodialysis units, clustered in similar genotypes and subtypes intimating nosocomial infection.

Conclusion

HCV infection is highly prevalent in haemodialysis patients from Sudan, with phylogenetic analysis intimating nosocomial infection. HCV genotyping is useful to locate potential transmission chains and to enable individualized treatment using highly effective direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).

Prevalence of HCV Infection Among Hemodialysis Patients in Lanzhou of Northwestern China

Objective

To investigate the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among hemodialysis (HD) patients in Lanzhou of Northwestern China, we interviewed 565 patients from five randomly sampled HD centers in Lanzhou with a structured questionnaire including sociodemographic characteristics, past medical history and HD-related factors.

Methods

The testing results of anti-HCV and HCV-RNA in a recent HD from clinical information system were collected. A generalized estimated equation (GEE) logistic regression model was used to identify the determinants of HCV infection among HD patients.

Results

The prevalence of anti-HCV or HCV-RNA infection among HD patients was 1.77% or 1.42% respectively. GEE model showed that history of kidney transplantation (HCV-RNA: OR=19.79, 95%CI: 12.69–30.85) could dramatically increase the risk of current HCV infection in dialysis patients. Compared with never using of blood products, using of blood products (anti-HCV: OR=2.38, 95%CI: 1.22–4.64; HCV-RNA: OR=15.23, 95%CI: 1.79–129.49) could increase the risk of HCV infection in dialysis patients. Moreover, with the increase of HD duration, the risk increased one time or so (anti-HCV: OR=1.83, 95%CI: 1.22–2.72; HCV-RNA: OR=2.00, 95%CI: 1.11–3.61). Furthermore, dialysis in multiple hospitals possessed more than three times risk of HCV infection (anti-HCV: OR=3.56, 95%CI: 3.11–4.08; HCV-RNA: OR=3.35, 95%CI: 1.88–5.96). Besides, HD patients having the history of acupuncture (HCV-RNA: OR=5.56; 95%CI: 1.16–26.67) or surgery (HCV-RNA: OR=6.39; 95%CI: 2.86–14.29) caused an about-six-times risk of current infections.

Conclusion

It could be concluded that the prevalence of HCV infection was mild and using of blood products or kidney transplantation, long dialysis duration, dialysis in multiple hospitals, surgery or acupuncture treatment were some risk factors of HCV infection among HD patients in Lanzhou of Northwestern China.

Hepatitis C therapy with grazoprevir/elbasvir and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: data from the German Hepatitis C-Registry (DHC-R)

OBJECTIVES

Grazoprevir/elbasvir and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (G/P) are the two preferred treatment options for patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and a glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <30 mL/min. Both therapies have been separately analyzed in different real-life cohorts; however, a direct comparison has not been performed so far. We, therefore, analyzed safety and effectiveness of both regimens in a concerted real-life population.

METHODS

The Germany Hepatitis C-Registry is a prospective national real-world registry. The analysis is based on 2773 patients with documented GFR at baseline treated with grazoprevir/elbasvir (N = 1041), grazoprevir/elbasvir + ribavirin (N = 53) and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (N = 1679).

RESULTS

A total of 93 patients with GFR <30 mL/min were treated with grazoprevir/elbasvir (N = 56), grazoprevir/elbasvir + ribavirin (N = 4), and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (N = 33). They suffered significantly more frequent from diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and coronary heart disease than individuals with GFR >30 mL/min and showed the following baseline characteristics: 20.4, 55.9, 3.2, 12.9, and 5.3% were infected with HCV-genotypes 1a, 1b, 2, 3, and 4; 12.9% suffered from liver cirrhosis; 80.1% were treatment-naïve. Baseline characteristics except distribution of HCV-genotype 1b (n = 43/52 treated with grazoprevir/elbasvir) and sustained virologic response rates (SVR12) did not differ significantly between glecaprevir/pibrentasvir (SVR12: 100%) and grazoprevir/elbasvir (SVR12: 97.9%).Fatigue, headache, abdominal discomfort, and arthralgia were the most frequently reported adverse events without a statistical difference between grazoprevir/elbasvir and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir.

CONCLUSION

In patients with chronic hepatitis C and a baseline GFR ≤30 mL/min grazoprevir/elbasvir and glecaprevir/pibrentasvir show an equally favorable safety profile and antiviral efficacy and can both be recommended for real-life use.

Prevalence of hepatitis C among haemodialysis patients in a tertiary care hospital in south India

Background and Objectives:

Hepatitis C is the most common hepatotropic viral infection that affects patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Most of the laboratories in India depend on HCV antibody detection by ELISA. PCR based studies on detection of HCV RNA among haemodialysis patients are very scanty in India. The current study was undertaken to find the prevalence of HCV among haemodialysis patients by ELISA and PCR.

Materials and Methods:

This prospective study was conducted from January to May 2018 in a total of 100 samples. Patients more than 18 years of age, who had undergone at least 15 sessions of dialysis were enrolled in the study. All samples were screened for HCV antibody by ELISA and HCV RNA by PCR. Data regarding age and gender of the patients, history of blood transfusion, duration of hemodialysis, total bilirubin levels were collected from medical records.

Results:

Among the 100 samples, only one was positive for HCV antibody by ELISA. Eight samples were positive for HCV RNA by PCR. In this study 62.5% of the HCV positives had a previous history of blood transfusion. Duration of dialysis was more among the HCV positive group but there was no statistical significance.

Conclusion:

This is the first study from the southern state of Kerala in India showing the prevalence of HCV among hemodialysis patients by PCR. Our study showed an overall HCV prevalence of 8% by PCR. All the PCR positive samples were negative by 3rd generation ELISA which is an alarming finding and further justifies the need for PCR for detecting HCV.

Risk factors associated with nosocomial infections among end stage renal disease patients undergoing hemodialysis: A systematic review

Background

Profound healthcare challenges confront societies with an increase in prevalence of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), which is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Due to several facility and patient related factors, ESRD is significantly associated with increased morbidity and mortality attributed to infections.

Aims and objective

The aim of this study was to assess systematically the characteristics of patients and risk factors associated with nosocomial infections among ESRD patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed to identify eligible studies published during the period from inception to December 2018 pertaining to risk factors associated with nosocomial infections among hemodialysis patients. The relevant studies were generated through a computerized search on five databases (PubMed, EBSCOhost, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and Scopus) using the Mesh Words: nosocomial infections, hospital acquired infections, healthcare associated infections, end stage renal disease, end stage renal failure, hemodialysis, and risk factors. The complete protocol has been registered under PROSPERO (CRD42019124099).

Results

Initially, 1411 articles were retrieved. Out of these, 24 were duplicates and hence were removed. Out of 1387 remaining articles, 1337 were removed based on irrelevant titles and/or abstracts. Subsequently, the full texts of 50 articles were reviewed and 41 studies were excluded at this stage due to lack of relevant information. Finally, nine articles were selected for this review. Longer hospital stay, longer duration on hemodialysis, multiple catheter sites, longer catheterization, age group, lower white blood cell count, history of blood transfusion, and diabetes were identified as the major risk factors for nosocomial infections among hemodialysis patients.

Conclusion

The results of this review indicate an information gap and potential benefits of additional preventive measures to further reduce the risk of infections in hemodialysis population. Moreover, several patient-related and facility-related risk factors were consistently observed in the studies included in this review, which require optimal control measures.

Hepatitis C therapy with direct antiviral agents in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease: real-world experience of the German Hepatitis C-Registry (Deutsches Hepatitis C-Register)

BACKGROUND

Direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) have revolutionized treatment of chronic hepatitis C in patients with normal glomerular filtration rate (GFR). However, patients with impaired kidney function have been excluded from several clinical trials. We, therefore, investigated the use, effectiveness, and tolerability of DAAs in patients with GFR less than 30 ml/min in the real-world setting.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

An analysis was done within the German Hepatitis C-Registry on 5733 patients including 46 individuals with a baseline GFR less than 30 ml/min treated with sofosbuvir-based (61%) or paritaprevir/ritonavir-based (39%) regimens.

RESULTS

Sustained virological response 12 rates did not differ significantly between patients with baseline GFR less than 30 versus more than 30 ml/min (91 vs. 96%). Nine individuals with a baseline GFR more than 30 ml/min presented with a GFR less than 30 ml/min at the end of treatment. GFR improvement from less than 30 ml/min to more than 30 ml/min was observed in 9/46 cases. Adverse events did not differ in patients with GFR less than 30 versus more than 30 ml/min. However, serious adverse events were significantly more frequent in individuals with GFR less than 30 ml/min and associated with ribavirin.

CONCLUSION

Different DAA therapies can be safely used with high sustained virological response rates in patients with GFR less than 30 ml/min. Ribavirin has to be avoided because of poor tolerability.

Frequency of Hepatotropic Viruses Leading To Deranged Liver Function Tests in Renal Transplant Recipients

OBJECTIVES

The preferred modality for renal replacement therapy is renal transplantation. Marked improvements in early graft survival and long-term graft function have made renal transplantation a more cost-effective alternative to dialysis. The presence of liver disease in the posttransplant period adversely affects graft function and survival. Determining the cause of deranged liver function tests can be helpful in treating the underlying cause, leading to improved graft survival and overall quality of life in patients after renal transplant. Here, we determined the frequency of hepatotropic viral infections leading to deranged liver function tests in renal transplant recipients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Our study included 132 patients with deranged liver function tests who had undergone renal transplant within the past 6 months. Reactivity and nonreactivity of hepatotropic viruses leading to deranged liver function tests were recorded.

RESULTS

Average age of patients was 37.17 ± 8.75 years. There were 84 male (63.64%) and 48 female (36.36%) patients. Rates of hepatitis C virus antibodies and hepatitis B surface antigen were 62.88% (83/132) and 37.12% (49/132), respectively, whereas no patients had hepatitis E virus immunoglobulin M antibodies or hepatitis A virus immunoglobulin M antibodies.

CONCLUSIONS

Among the hepatotropic viral infections leading to deranged liver function tests in renal transplant recipients, hepatitis B virus accounted for a small fraction. In contrast, hepatitis C virus was highly prevalent in transplant recipients who developed deranged liver function tests. Renal transplant recipients with hepatic viral infections have worse patient and allograft survival after transplant compared with noninfected renal transplant recipients. We recommend that transplant candidates be screened for hepatitis B and C virus infection, thus allowing increased graft survival and improved quality of life in renal transplant recipients.

Factors Correlating to the Development of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Hemodialysis Patients-Findings Mainly from Asiatic Populations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Hemodialysis is an effective replacement therapy for chronic renal failure patients. In recent decades, the number of hemodialysis patients has grown rapidly and some measures for preventing blood-borne diseases have been implemented, but hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a significant problem. The meta-analysis published in 2009 on HCV infection-related factors was based on localized study objects, and some additional studies have been published since 2009; however, the contribution of these factors remains under dispute. Our study pooled the odds ratios (ORs) or mean standard deviations (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and analyzed sensitivity using Review Manager 5.1 software (5.1 version Copenhagen: The Nordic Cochrane Centre; 2011) by searching data in the PubMed, Elsevier, Springer, Wiley, and EBSCO databases. Spearman correlation analysis was performed using the SPSS package. In our meta-analysis, 1715 HCV-infected hemodialysis patients and 7093 non-HCV-infected hemodialysis patients from 44 studies were analyzed. The pooled ORs with 95% CIs were: histories of blood transfusion, 4.30 (3.11, 5.96); weekly hemodialysis times > 2, 6.00 (3.25, 11.06); kidney transplantation, 5.80 (3.95, 8.52); hemodialysis units > 2, 6.90 (2.42, 19.68); shared hemodialysis devices, 5.00 (2.35, 10.65); and drug addiction, 4.73 (1.54, 14.47). The pooled MDs with 95% CIs were duration of hemodialysis (months) 27.48 (21.67, 33.30). There was a positive correlation between duration of hemodialysis and the HCV infection rate (p < 0.01). Hemodialysis patients, especially from Asia, with shared hemodialysis devices, hemodialysis units > 2, blood transfusion, kidney transplantation, and drug addiction were at increased risk of HCV infection. The HCV infection rate increased with the duration of hemodialysis. High-risk hemodialysis patients should be monitored and receive timely screening.

Sero Conversion of Viral Hepatitis among End Stage Renal Disease Patients on Hemodialysis in Kashmir: Results of a Prospective Study

BACKGROUND

The seroconversion is a significant health concern in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis particularly in high endemic zones of HBV and HCV.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This prospective study was conducted from January 2009 to April 2018 at Sheri Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar, Kashmir. A cohort of 459 end-stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis was enrolled from four dialysis centres and followed in a longitudinal manner. Their seroconversion rates, risk factors were studied. Positive patients were treated and followed up.

RESULTS

This study demonstrated HBV seroconversion rate of 7.4 % (n = 34) and HCV seroconversion rate of 10% (n = 46) in a cohort of 459 patients on hemodialysis attending four dialysis centres of Kashmir. Patients with diabetes mellitus outnumbered in seroconversion rates of (43.75%) followed by patients with glomerulonephritis (23.75%). Of 15 patients who had undergone renal transplantation 10 (66.67%), patients had seroconversion on hemodialysis which was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Patients who were dialysed at multiple HD centres had significant seroconversion than those who followed up at a single center. Seroconversion was associated with longer duration of dialysis (80.30 ± 30.92 vs 61 ± 9.41months, P < 0.000). HBV vaccination of the ESRD patient on hemodialysis was significantly protective against seroconversion (P = 0.000).

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatitis B vaccination, stringent precautions in all dialysis centres could help to reduce the high seroconversion rates which have a high financial burden on ESRD patients. Intense health education to both patients and medical staff will be beneficial to lower the seroconversion rates.

Evaluating CKD/ESRD patient with hepatitis C infection: How to interpret diagnostic testing and assess liver injury

Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is the most common cause of infection related deaths in USA according to Central Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report in 2016. Hepatitis C is a blood borne virus and is common in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and in hemodialysis (HD) dependent patients. A majority of patients with CHC could remain asymptomatic and are still undiagnosed. Early detection of CHC and linkage of infected patients to care for evaluation and treatment is the standard of care as emphasized by Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcome (KDIGO) and American Association for the Study of Liver Disease- Infectious Disease Society of America (AASLD-IDSA) practice guidelines. Historically, the management of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected CKD patients, including those on dialysis and in the peri-transplant setting, was a challenge. However, the evolution of various liver assessment tools, HCV tests, therapies and treatment strategies in the recent years has catalyzed a paradigm change in this area. This review provides an update on evaluating methodology, diagnostic tests and the various assessment tools for liver fibrosis pertaining to the CKD/HD patient infected with HCV.

Hepatitis C virus genotypes in hemodialysis patients in Angola

To our knowledge, there are no published data on hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes in Angola. This study aimed at assessing the distribution of HCV genotypes in seropositive hemodialysis patients in Luanda. Among 51 HCV-positive subjects included, viremia was detected in 27 (53%). HCV genotyping was performed by bidirectional sequencing of the 5'-untranslated region by the Sanger method. HCV genotype 4 was largely predominant (20 cases; 74%), followed by genotypes 1b (5 cases; 18.5%), 1a and 2 (one case each; 3.7%). These results suggest that the distribution of HCV genotypes in Angola is similar to that reported from other Central African countries.

Long-term Patient and Graft Survival of Kidney Transplant Recipients With Hepatitis C Virus Infection in the United States

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common among kidney transplant (KTx) recipients. However, the impact of HCV infection on long-term graft and recipient survival after KTx from large-scale data remains to be determined.

METHODS

We used the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network database to identify all adults undergoing KTx in 2004 to 2006 in the United States. A propensity score was created to match each HCV-positive recipient with an HCV-negative control for unbiased comparisons. Survival analysis was conducted to evaluate recipient and death-censored graft survival.

RESULTS

Out of 33 357 adult primary KTx recipients, 1470 (4.4%) were HCV-positive: 1364 HCV-positive and -negative pairs were selected by propensity score matching. Based on multivariable regression models, HCV is associated with a higher risk of death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.50; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.28-1.75) and graft failure (HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.08-1.47). Infection was a more common cause of death in HCV-positive patients than in HCV-negative recipients (HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.12-2.42). The incidence of death due to liver failure was 0.23% per year among HCV-positive recipients, whereas no HCV-negative recipients died from liver failure. Graft failure due to recurrent disease was higher in HCV-positive than in HCV-negative recipients (HR, 2.00; 95% CI, 1.06-3.78).

CONCLUSION

HCV infection is associated with decreased long-term recipient and graft survival. Future studies are needed to examine whether recently available, safe, and effective antiviral therapy improves the long-term clinical outcome in these patients.

Hepatitis C: Current Controversies and Future Potential in Solid Organ Transplantation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

To highlight the changing landscape of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in the context of organ transplantation. This focuses on areas of controversy and future potential in the era of highly effective direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents.

RECENT FINDINGS

Since the advent of safe and highly effective DAA therapy, HCV infection is now curable in virtually all cases, including organ transplant recipients. Excellent drug tolerability and safety combined with high cure rates across all organ groups means that HCV is no longer a barrier to transplantation or its outcomes. Mounting data demonstrate the safety of using organs from HCV-infected donors with subsequent treatment of HCV in the recipient and a potential to expand the donor pool. Historical data demonstrating inferior survival in transplant recipients with HCV is of limited relevance in the DAA era. Virtually all transplant recipients with HCV infection can be cured, while early data also suggest excellent outcomes in recipients of organs from HCV viremic donors. The optimal timing of HCV therapy in relation to transplantation and the optimal use of organs from HCV viremic donors remain areas of controversy and ongoing research efforts.

Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B and C among hemodialysis patients in Tunisia

OBJECTIVE

Hemodialysis patients are at increased risk of infection by hepatitis C and B viruses, which are significant causes of mortality and morbidity. Prevention of their transmission in hemodialysis units remains a challenge worldwide. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of these two infections and to explore major risk factors among patients on chronic hemodialysis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed a cross-sectional study of 109 hemodialysis patients (mean duration of hemodialysis of seven years) between 2012 and 2014 in a Teaching Hospital of Monastir, Tunisia. Hepatitis B and C serological markers were searched for using a chemiluminescent assay. Genome detection was performed using a commercially available quantitative real-time PCR test.

RESULTS

A total of 109 hemodialysis patients were enrolled (75 males and 34 females). Ages ranged from 21 to 81 years. Six (5.5%) of these 109 patients had HBV infection defined by a positive HBsAg in four (3.7%) patients and by a detectable DNA associated with an "isolated anti-HBc" profile in the remaining two patients. Hepatitis C was observed in eight patients (7.3%) and five of them had detectable RNA. Hemodialysis duration ˃5years was the main risk factor for hepatitis C infection (P=0.01; OR: 3.11; 95% CI [1.57-13.71]).

CONCLUSION

Our findings confirm the downward trend of the prevalence of both hepatitis B and C infections among Tunisian hemodialysis patients. Hemodialysis duration remains the main risk factor for hepatitis C infection. Occult hepatitis B infection should be suspected and investigated, especially among patients with an "isolated anti-HBc" profile.

Add-on neurological benefits of antiviral therapy in HCV patients with chronic kidney disease - a nationwide cohort study

Background

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have rarely been studied because they rarely accept interferon-based therapy (IBT) and have been difficult to follow up. We investigated long-term outcomes of IBT on the population.

Methods

This population-based cohort study used the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database as its data source. HCV patients diagnosed with CKD between Jan. 1, 2003, and Dec. 31, 2013, were selected. They were then divided into two groups based on whether they had undergone IBT. All-cause mortality, acute myocardial infarction (AMI), ischemic stroke (IS), hemorrhagic stroke, and new-onset dialysis were evaluated using a Cox proportional hazard regression analysis after propensity score matching.

Results

We enrolled 9872 HCV patients with CKD: 1684 patients in the treated cohort and 8188 patients in the untreated cohort. The annual incidence of all-cause mortality (19.00 vs. 42.89 events per 1000 person-years; p < 0.001) and the incidences of hemorrhagic stroke (1.21 vs. 4.19 events per 1000 person-years; p = 0.006) were lower in the treated cohort. New-onset dialysis was also lower in the treated cohort (aHR: 0.31; 95% CI: 0.20–0.48; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Antiviral therapy might provide protective benefits on all-cause mortality, hemorrhagic stroke, and new-onset dialysis in HCV-infected patients with CKD.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12876-017-0653-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Diagnostic Dilemmas in Hepatitis C Virus Infection for Hemodialysis Patients

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a leading cause of chronic hepatitis in dialysis patients. The diagnosis of HCV infection in these patients is predominantly based on laboratory tests because of the specificity of the clinical course of the disease.

AIM

The present prospective study aimed at determining very accurately the prevalence rate of HCV infection in patients on dialysis by simultaneously testing them for anti-HCV and for HCV RNA levels.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the present cross-sectional longitudinal study we recruited and followed up 93 patients from St George University Hospital Hemodialysis Unit between July 2013 and December 2014. All patients were tested for anti-HCV and HCV RNA. The anti-HCV negative patients were tested for anti-HCV and HCV RNA at least twice at intervals of 6 months or more (up to 12 months). Anti-HCV antibodies were identified using a third generation ELISA assay. Commercial kits for real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to detect HCV RNA in the plasma and mononuclear cells. Aminotransferase and gammaglutamyl transpeptidase levels were studied to find if liver inflammation was present.

RESULTS

The total seroprevalence in 68 patients was 20.6% (14). Of these, 10 patients were viremic (HCV RNA+/anti-HCV+), and 4 patients (5.9%) had discordant results (anti-HCV+/HCV RNA-). Acute hepatitis was detected in one patient. Duration of dialysis in HCV viremic patients was longer than that in aviremic patients (p=0.005).

CONCLUSIONS

The present study suggests that HCV infection in dialysis patients can be diagnosed more accurately if these patients are tested using two diagnostic methods - a serological test and a biomolecular assay. Further studies with larger sample size may prove the feasibility of such approach for all dialysis patients in this country.

Seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C and D viral among hemodialysis patients in Tehran

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Different studies show that the prevalence of hepatitis viruses in hemodialysis (HD) patients is much greater than general population. It is important to be aware of local prevalence data, in order to control infections and prevention of nosocomial transmission. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the seroprevalence of hepatitis B, C, and D viral infections among HD patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

During 2016, a cross-sectional study was conducted in Tehran, among 360 HD patients from 5 hemodialysis centers. All HBsAg positive subjects were screened for Hepatitis B surface Ag (HBsAg), Hepatitis C virus Ab (HCVAb) and Hepatitis D virus antibody (HDVAb), using specific enzyme linked immunoassay.

RESULTS

360 patients were involved including 213 males (59.17%) and 147 females (40.83%). The mean age in current study was 53.43 years. HBV positive (HBsAg positive) was found in 1.39% of patients, HCVAb in 3.06%, whereas no HDV positive patient was diagnosed. In HD, duration of 1-5 years has the highest frequency rate.

CONCLUSION

Prevalence of HBV, HCV and HDV in hemodialysis patients seems low in Tehran province. Due to higher prevalence of HCV, it is recommended to check the patients for anti-HCV Ab before admission to the centers.

Hepatocellular carcinoma in hemodialysis patients

We investigated the rates and predictors of mortality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who were or were not undergoing long-term hemodialysis. The participants in this retrospective observational study were 1298 HCC patients (60.0 ± 12.1 years old, 72% male), of whom 172 were undergoing hemodialysis and 1126 were not. HCC patients on hemodialysis exhibited a higher hepatitis C virus carrier rate (49.4% versus 39.3%, P = 0.012), lower hepatitis B virus carrier rate (37.2% versus 58.3%, P < 0.001) and lower hepatitis B or C virus carrier rate (77.9% versus 89.3%, P < 0.001) than those not on hemodialysis. Serum alkaline phosphatase levels were higher in the hemodialysis than non-hemodialysis group (162.8 ± 141.1 u/l versus 124.6 ± 102.5 u/l, P < 0.001). By the end of the analysis, 32.0% of HCC patients on hemodialysis and 28.0% of those not on hemodialysis had died. Kaplan-Meier analysis confirmed that cumulative survival was poorer in HCC patients on hemodialysis (P = 0.004). In a multivariate Cox regression model, hemodialysis (P < 0.001), older age (P < 0.001) and advanced tumor stages (P < 0.001) were found to be risk factors for mortality. HCC patients on hemodialysis had a 2.036-fold greater chance of death than HCC patients not on hemodialysis. Prospective studies with longer follow-ups and larger samples are warranted.

Hepatitis C Virus in the Renal Transplant Population: An Update With Focus on the New Era of Antiviral Regimens

Chronic hepatitis C virus infection is a global health problem, especially among renal transplant recipients. Herein, we present an overview of hepatitis C virus among renal transplant patients, with a focus on some updated aspects concerning types of viral genotypes, methods of diagnosis, the effects of renal transplant on hepatitis C virus infection, and summary of hepatitis C virus-related complications after renal transplant. We also discuss patient and graft survival rates and the present and future therapeutic options with special focus on new antiviral and possible interactions with immunosuppressive medications.

Prevalence of hepatitis C virus infection among patients undergoing haemodialysis in Latin America

Hepatitis C infection is a worldwide problem. The global prevalence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) averages 3%. Moreover, its prevalence among patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD) varies worldwide, ranging from as low as 1% to up to 70%. There are few data on its prevalence in developing countries, and even less information is available on HD patients. A literature review revealed that the prevalence of HCV infection among patients undergoing HD in Latin America ranges from 4.2 to 83.9%, with most data stemming from Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Venezuela and Cuba. The most common genotype was genotype 1, and subtype 1b was the most frequent. The risk factors associated with this condition were the duration of the HD treatment and blood transfusion before hepatitis C screening. In addition, HCV RNA detection by polymerase chain reaction is crucial for the diagnosis of HCV infection in HD patients. Trials using combinations of new oral antiviral drugs, such as sofosbuvir and combo (ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir and dasabuvir), should be the next step in the improvement of care among HD patients with HCV, because these therapeutic agents apparently do not require dose adjustment according to renal function. Finally, information on this subgroup of patients remains unavailable in some countries; therefore, additional studies are needed to determine the prevalence trend of HCV infection in these populations.

A Large Nosocomial Outbreak of Hepatitis C Virus Infections at a Hemodialysis Center

Objective:

To identify modes of HCV transmission during an outbreak of HCV infection in a hemodialysis unit.

Design:

An epidemiologic study, virologie analysis, assessment of infection control practices and procedures, and technical examination of products and dialysis machines.

Setting:

A private hemodialysis unit treating approximately 70 patients.

Patients:

Detection of HCV RNA by PCR was performed among patients receiving dialysis in 2001. Case-patients were patients who had a first positive result for HCV RNA between January 2001 and January 2002 and either acute hepatitis, a seroconversion for HCV antibodies, or a previous negative result. Three control-patients were randomly selected per case-patient.

Results:

Of the 61 patients treated in the unit in 2001 and not infected with HCV, 22 (36.1%) became case-patients with onset from May 2001 to January 2002 for an incidence density rate of 70 per 100 patient-years. Phylogenic analysis identified four distinct HCV groups and an index case-patient for each with a similar virus among patients already known to be infected. No multidose medication vials or material was shared between patients. Connection to a dialysis machine by a nurse who had connected an HCV-infected patient “just before” or “one patient before” increased the risk of HCV infection, whereas using the same dialysis machine after a patient infected with HCV did not. Understating, lack of training, and breaches in infection control were documented. Direct observation of practices revealed frequent flooding of blood into the double filter on the arterial pressure tubing set.

Conclusions:

During this outbreak, HCV transmission was mainly patient to patient via healthcare workers' hands. However, transmission via dialysis machines because of possible contamination of internal components could not be excluded.

Incidence and prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses in hemodialysis patients in Lebanon

AIM: To determine the incidence and the prevalence of hepatitis B and C viral infections in patients on hemodialysis (HD) across Lebanon.

METHODS: We reviewed the data registry at the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health where records of monthly hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) serology are reported from 60 affiliated HD centers across Lebanon. All patients who were on HD or who started HD between October 2010 and July 2012 were included in the study. Patients from seven HD centers were excluded due to inadequate and incomplete results reporting. During the selected period, HBsAg and HCV serology were available for 3769 patients from 53 HD centers distributed at all Lebanese governorates. The prevalence was calculated by dividing the number of patients with positive HBsAg or HCV serology to the total number of patients. The Incidence was calculated by dividing the number of newly acquired infection to number of patients-years (p-y). Incidence rates at different governorates were compared to each other using two tailed Z test and a P value of < 0.05 was considered significant.

RESULTS: Sixty out of 3769 HD patients were found to have positive HBS Ag and 177 out of 3769 were positive for HCV Antibodies. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV in HD patients across Lebanon was 1.6%, and 4.7%, respectively. The comparison of prevalence according to geographic distribution could not be done accurately due to the frequent shift of patients between dialysis centers at different governorates. The incidence rate was 0.27 per 100 p-y for HBV and 0.37 per 100 p-y for HCV. There was no significant difference concerning the incidence of HBV between HD centers at different governorates (all P values > 0.1), but this difference was highly significant concerning the incidence rates of HCV which occurred predominantly in the southern centers (1.47 per 100 p-y) with a P value of 0.00068 and 0.00374 when compared to Mount Lebanon (0.21 per 100 p-y) and the Northern centers (0.19 per 100 p-y), respectively.

CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of HBV and HCV is very low in the Lebanese HD centers and their prevalence is decreasing over the last two decades.

Viral hepatitis in hemodialysis: An update

Hepatitis outbreaks in hemodialysis (HD) patients and staff were reported in the late 1960s, and a number of hepatotropic viruses transmitted by blood and other body fluids have been identified. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) was the first significant hepatotropic virus to be identified in HD centers. HBV infection has been effectively controlled by active vaccination, screening of blood donors, the use of erythropoietin and segregation of HBV carriers. Hepatitis delta virus is a defective virus that can only infect HBV-positive individuals. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most significant cause of non-A, non-B hepatitis and is mainly transmitted by blood transfusion. The introduction in 1990 of routine screening of blood donors for HCV contributed significantly to the control of HCV transmission. An effective HCV vaccine remains an unsolved challenge; however, pegylation of interferon-alfa has made it possible to treat HCV-positive dialysis patients. Unexplained sporadic outbreaks of hepatitis by the mid-1990s prompted the discovery of hepatitis G virus, hepatitis GB virus C and the TT virus. The vigilant observation of guidelines on universal precaution and regular virologic testing are the cornerstones of the effective control of chronic hepatitis in the setting of HD. Major recent advances in the viral diagnosis technology and the development of new oral, direct-acting antiviral agents allow early diagnosis and better therapeutic response. The current update will review the recent developments, controversies and new treatment of viral hepatitis in HD patients.

Hepatitis C in hemodialysis patients

Despite reduction of hepatitis C prevalence after recognition of the virus and testing of blood products, hemodialysis (HD) patients still comprise a high risk group. The natural history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in dialysis is not fully understood while the clinical outcome differs from that of the general population. HD patients show a milder liver disease with lower aminotransferase and viral levels depicted by milder histological features on liver biopsy. Furthermore, the “silent” clinical course is consistent with a slower disease progression and a lower frequency of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Potential explanations for the “beneficial” impact of uremia and hemodialysis on chronic HCV infection are impaired immunosurveillance leading to a less aggressive host response to the virus and intradialytic release of “hepatoprotective” cytokines such as interferon (IFN)-α and hepatocyte growth factor. However, chronic hepatitis C is associated with a higher liver disease related cardiovascular and all-cause mortality of HD patients. Therapy is indicated in selected patients groups including younger patients with low comorbidity burden and especially renal transplant candidates, preferably after performance of a liver biopsy. According to current recommendations, choice of treatment is IFN or pegylated interferon with a reported sustained viral response at 30%-40% and a withdrawal rate ranging from 17% to 30%. New data regarding combination therapy with low doses of ribavirin which provide higher standard variable rates and good safety results, offer another therapeutic option. The new protease inhibitors may be the future for HCV infected HD patients, though data are still lacking.

High prevalence of hepatitis markers in immigrant populations: a prospective screening approach in a real-world setting

BACKGROUND

Immigrant populations are believed to be more frequently infected with hepatitis viruses. However, limited unbiased data are available on immigrants outside of academic centres. Therefore, the aim of this study was to perform large-scale screening for hepatitis markers in primary care centres treating mainly individuals with a migrational background in Germany.

METHODS

Between November 2010 and January 2012, we prospectively screened 1313 individuals treated by general practitioners at eight primary care centres in North-western Germany. Patients were eligible if they or their parents were not born in Germany. Serological screening for hepatitis B core protein antibodies, hepatitis B surface antigens (HBsAgs), and anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies was performed in each individual. HBsAg-positive and anti-hepatitis C virus-positive patients were further tested for molecular markers of viral replication.

RESULTS

The mean age was 49.1±15.8 years. Of the patients, 45.7% were male; 87.3% had migrated to Germany from the Eastern Mediterranean area and 12.0% from Eastern Europe. Of the patients, 32.5% tested positive for hepatitis B core protein antibodies. HBsAgs were found in 3.6% of patients. Overall, hepatitis B virus DNA was detected in 2.2% of patients. Markers for hepatitis C virus infection were found in an almost similar high frequency (1.9%). Individuals with migrational background showed significant deficits in knowledge on general routes of transmission.

CONCLUSION

Hepatitis virus infections are indeed significantly more prevalent in immigrant populations as compared with the general German population. These data underline the importance of introducing screening programs in this particular risk group.

Hepatitis C virus infection in end-stage renal disease and kidney transplantation

Liver disease secondary to chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on renal replacement therapy and after kidney transplantation (KT). Hemodialytic treatment (HD) for ESRD constitutes a risk factor for bloodborne infections because of prolonged vascular access and the potential for exposure to infected patients and contaminated equipment. Evaluation of HCV-positive/ESRD and HCV-positive/KT patients is warranted to determine the stage of disease and the appropriateness of antiviral therapy, despite such treatment is challenging especially due to tolerability issues. Antiviral treatment with interferon (IFN) is contraindicated after transplantation due to the risk of rejection, and therefore, treatment is recommended before KT. Newer treatment strategies of direct-acting antiviral agents in combination are revolutionizing HCV therapy, as a result of encouraging outcomes streaming from recent studies which report increased sustained viral response, low or no resistance, and good safety profiles, including preservation of renal function. KT has been demonstrated to yield better outcomes with respect to remaining on HD although survival after KT is penalized by the presence of HCV infection with respect to HCV-negative transplant recipients. Therefore, an appropriate, comprehensive, easily applicable set of clinical practice management guidelines is necessary in both ESRD and KT patients with HCV infection and HCV-related liver disease.

Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis B and C viruses among hemodialysis patients in Isfahan, Iran

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) and their associated risk factors among hemodialysis patients in Isfahan, Iran in 2011.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-sectional study, a total of 499 chronic hemodialysis patients from eight governmental hemodialysis centers were tested. Demographic information, time duration on hemodialysis, history of blood transfusion, and the number of transfused blood units as risk factors to HBV and HCV infections were calculated. The status of HBsAg and anti-HCV was assessed by serological testing.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of HBV-positive and HCV-positive among study population was 1.2% and 5.2%, respectively. Age, sex, and time duration on hemodialysis were not statistically significant in HBV- and HCV-patients compared with other hemodialysis patients (P > 0.05). History of blood transfusion and the number of transfused blood units in HBV infected patients were similar to other patients (P > 0.05). The main risk factors in hemodialysis patients infected by HCV were history of blood transfusion and the number of transfused blood units (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the prevalence of HBV and HCV infections in hemodialysis centers in Isfahan is lower than in some other cities of Iran. History of blood transfusion and the number of blood units transfused might be a risk factor for HCV gaining. However, further studies are needed to assess the role of other demographic and clinical risk factors in these patients.

Phenotypic features of innate and adaptive immunity in patients with chronic hepatitis C and end-stage renal disease

BACKGROUND

The knowledge of the immunological profile of patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on haemodialysis (HD) is still limited.

AIMS

This study investigated the immune response profile in HCV patients with concomitant ESRD focusing on the influence of the renal disease on the phenotypic profile of peripheral blood lymphocytes.

METHODS

Immunophenotypic features of peripheral blood leucocytes were assessed by flow cytometry in two distinct groups: HCV patients with ESRD (CHC+ESRD, n = 16) and HCV patients with normal renal function (CHC, n = 20). Two control groups that were included were as follows: HCV negative blood donors (BD, n = 15) and HCV negative patients with ESRD (ESRD, n = 19).

RESULTS

Higher frequency of macrophage-like and pro-inflammatory monocytes along with enhanced frequency of CD3(-) CD16(-) CD56(+) , mainly CD56(dim) NK-cells, were the hallmark of CHC+ESRD patients. Lower frequency of B cells with significant decreased of B1 and CD23(+) B-cells were associated with ESRD, regardless the HCV infection. Although higher rates of activated CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells were observed in the CHC and CHC+ESRD groups, the chemotaxis of T-cell subsets, based on their chemokine receptor expression, was affected by ESRD.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic hepatitis C patients with ESRD on HD exhibit distinctive phenotypic profile of circulating leucocytes. It may be implicated in the natural history of HCV infection in this particular group of patients and warrants further investigation.

Evaluation of serological transfusion-transmitted viral diseases and mutliplex nucleic acid testing in malaysian blood donors

BACKGROUND

Transmission of infectious diseases is a recognized complication of blood transfusion and blood products. Nucleic acid testing (NAT) may contribute to improved efficiency of blood screening and thereby increase the safety margin for transfused blood.

METHODS

Unscreened blood samples from 1388 randomized donors were selected for this study at the Transfusion Medicine Unit of Hospital Universiti Sains Malaysia (HUSM). Informed consent was obtained from all donors and blood samples were tested for HIV, HBV and HCV serologically and by NAT assay.

RESULTS

Of the 1,388 tested samples, 1,360 were non-reactive for both assays. Four samples (0.29%) were both serologically and NAT reactive. The remaining twenty-four samples were divided into two groups. Of these, five samples (0.366%) were NAT reactive and nineteen samples (1.37%) were serologically reactive. However, serology confirmation tests run on the latter nineteen samples were non-reactive.

CONCLUSIONS

Hence, NAT adds benefit of detecting "false positive" reactions via standard serology, the cost of administering NAT also need further consideration and study.

Prevalence and risk factors of hepatitis C and B virus infections in hemodialysis patients and their spouses: a multicenter study in Beijing, China

Hemodialysis patients are at risk for hepatitis C and B virus infections. This study investigated the prevalences and risk factors of HCV and HBV infection and the distribution of HCV genotypes among hemodialysis patients and their spouses. From August to November 2011, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 20 hemodialysis units in Beijing to investigate prevalences and risk factors for markers of HCV and HBV among 2,120 patients and 409 spouses. In hemodialysis patients, prevalences of anti-HCV, HCV RNA, and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were 6.1%, 4.6%, and 7.0%, respectively. The prevalence of HCV antibodies among spouses was 0.5%, of HCV RNA was 0.2%, and of HBsAg was 4.2%. Risk factors for HCV infection were dialysis duration, blood transfusion, and attending more than one dialysis unit. HBV infection was independently associated with age, family member with hepatitis infection, gender, and surgery. The predominant HCV genotypes were 1b (89.0%) and 2a (7.7%), and genotypes 3a, 3b, and 6a were each 1.1%. A significant decrease in HCV and HBV prevalences in Chinese dialysis units showed that infection control measures were effective. However, because nosocomial transmissions persist, strict adherence to infection control measures should be emphasized to reduce the risk of transmission.

Evidence of association between hepatitis C virus genotype 2b and nosocomial transmissions in hemodialysis centers from southern Brazil

Background

Hepatitis C virus infection is a serious public health problem. Hemodialysis is considered one of the main risk factors of HCV infection, due to several invasive medical procedures and potential nosocomial transmission that patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) are continuously submitted. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of HCV and its genotypes in patients with CRF in hemodialysis units in southern Brazil.

Methods

Demographic data and risk factors for HCV transmission were collected and analyzed. These data were obtained from patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment from January 2009 to August 2010, on two dialysis units of Rio Grande, southern Brazil. Genotyping was carried out by sequencing analysis of HCV NS5b, core-E1 junction and 5′UTR genomic regions.

Results

One hundred fifty-nine patients under regular hemodialysis treatment were studied. HCV prevalence was 23.3%. HCV-infected patients had been on dialysis treatment for 91.9 months, a more prolonged period compared to HCV-negative patients (p = 0.001). While HCV genotypes 1b and 3a were identified as the most frequent strains, a surprisingly high proportion of genotype 2b was observed among patients in one of the dialysis centers compared to the general HCV-infected population of the same area. Hemodialysis treatment exposure time and healthcare working were associated with HCV infection.

Conclusions

Besides the efforts to minimize nosocomial transmission of HCV, some events of transmission are still evidenced in dialysis units.

Interferon treatment for patients with chronic hepatitis C complicated with chronic renal failure receiving hemodialysis

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

The Japan Society for Dialysis Therapy established "Guidelines for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Dialysis Patients." We evaluated the status of HCV infection and the treatment of hemodialysis patients in Gunma prefecture.

METHODS

Questionnaires concerning the infection rate, recognition of the guidelines, and treatment status were sent to all 64 hospitals/clinics that had hemodialysis systems in Gunma prefecture. The hepatitis C virus-infected hemodialysis patients who received pegylated interferon (peg-IFN) were analyzed at Gunma University Hospital.

RESULTS

The positive rate for hepatitis C virus antibody was 256/2582 hemodialysis patients (9.9%). The positive rate varied between institutions (range 0-40.0%; median 9.0%). All institutes recognized the establishment of the guidelines. Conventional or peg-IFN treatment was being given at 37.5% of the institutions. The other 62.5% institutions answered that they intended to provide the treatment in the future if collaboration with a hepatologist could be arranged. The most common answers regarding the indication for IFN treatment were as follows: few complications, under 60 years of age, more than 10 years of survival expected on hemodialysis. Eighteen patients received peg-IFN treatment. The sustained virological response rate of all patients was 33.3%, 0% in 1b/high viral titer, 50% in genotype 2, and 100% in genotype 2/low viral titer. The sustained virological response rate was worse in the patients with 1b/high viral load and diabetic nephropathy (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Recognition of the publication of the guidelines was high. However, the number of patients treated with peg-IFN was still low. Further enlightenment and cooperation between hemodialysis teams and hepatologists are therefore needed.

Hepatitis C virus infection and dialysis: 2012 update

Hepatitis C virus infection is still common among dialysis patients, but the natural history of HCV in this group is not completely understood. Recent evidence has been accumulated showing that anti-HCV positive serologic status is significantly associated with lower survival in dialysis population; an increased risk of liver and cardiovascular disease-related mortality compared with anti-HCV negative subjects has been found. According to a novel meta-analysis (fourteen studies including 145,608 unique patients), the adjusted RR for liver disease-related death and cardiovascular mortality was 3.82 (95% CI, 1.92; 7.61) and 1.26 (95% CI, 1.10; 1.45), respectively. It has been suggested that the decision to treat HCV in patients with chronic kidney disease be based on the potential benefits and risks of therapy, including life expectancy, candidacy for kidney transplant, and co-morbidities. According to recent guidelines, the antiviral treatment of choice in HCV-infected patients on dialysis is mono-therapy but fresh data suggest the use of modern antiviral approaches (i.e., pegylated interferon plus ribavirin). The summary estimate for sustained viral response and drop-out rate was 56% (95% CI, 28-84) and 25% (95% CI, 10-40) in a pooled analysis including 151 dialysis patients on combination antiviral therapy (conventional or pegylated interferon plus ribavirin).

Hepatitis B and C infection in haemodialysis patients in Libya: prevalence, incidence and risk factors

BACKGROUND

Patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis (HD) are at higher risk for acquiring Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections than the general population. Strict infection control measures are essential to prevent nosocomial transmission. We aimed to investigate the incidence and prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in the HD population of Libya as well as risk factors for infection.

METHODS

All adult patients receiving maintenance HD (n=2382) in Libyan dialysis centres (n=39) were studied between May 2009 and October 2010. Testing for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies was performed at initiation of dialysis and every 3-6 months thereafter. Patients who were sero-negative for HBV and HCV (n=1160) were followed up for 1 year to detect sero-conversions.

RESULTS

Participant median age was 49 years and 58% were male. 831 patients (34.9%) were sero-positive for HBV and/or HCV (anti-HCV positive 31.1%; HBsAg positive 2.6%; both positive 1.2%). Of the sero-positive patients 4.7% were known to be infected before the initiation of HD. The prevalence of HBV±HCV infection varied widely between HD centres from 0% to 75.9%. Sero-positive patients were younger, had longer time on dialysis and more previous blood transfusions. Prospective follow-up revealed an incidence of sero-conversion of 7.7% during 1 year (7.1% HCV; 0.6% HBV). Wide variation in rates of newly acquired infections was observed between dialysis centres. All new HBV cases were referred from centres already treating HBV infected patients. New HCV infections were reported in most centres but the rate of HCV sero-conversion varied widely from 1.5% to 31%. Duration of dialysis, history of previous renal transplant and history of receiving HD in another centre in Libya were significantly associated with sero-conversion.

CONCLUSION

Patients on maintenance HD in Libya have a high incidence and prevalence of HCV infection and lower rates of HBV infection. The factors associated with HBV and HCV infection are highly suggestive of nosocomial transmission within HD units. Urgent action is required to improve infection control measures in HD centres and to reduce dependence on blood transfusions for the treatment of anaemia.

Cancer risk among elderly persons with end-stage renal disease: a population-based case-control study

BACKGROUND

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) have elevated cancer risk. Cancer risk increases with age, but associations of ESRD with specific malignancies are incompletely studied for older individuals.

METHODS

We conducted a population-based case-control study (1,029,695 cancer and 99,610 controls) among the U.S. elderly using SEER-Medicare linked data. We defined ESRD as presence of dialysis claims in the 3 months prior to selection.

RESULTS

Although ESRD was not associated with excess cancer risk overall (odds ratio 1.02; 95%CI 0.91-1.14), risk was specifically increased for cancers of the stomach (1.45; 1.16-1.81), small intestine (1.92; 1.27-2.92), colon (1.17; 1.00-1.36), liver (1.53; 1.16-2.01), biliary tract (1.78; 1.20-2.65), lung (1.17; 1.02-1.34), cervix (2.12; 1.39-3.23), kidney (2.42; 2.01-2.92), and for multiple myeloma (1.77; 1.40-2.24) and chronic myeloid leukemia (1.74; 1.08-2.80). The association between liver cancer and ESRD was attenuated upon adjustment for hepatitis B and C infection or diabetes mellitus. Multiple myeloma risk was highest with short ESRD duration (p < 0.0001), possibly reflecting reverse causality, while kidney cancer risk showed a borderline rise over time (p = 0.08).

CONCLUSIONS

Among elderly individuals with ESRD, the excess risks for some cancers may reflect immune dysfunction or a high prevalence of other risk factors, such as viral infections or diabetes mellitus. Our results underscore the need for studying biological pathways of carcinogenesis in ESRD.

Incidence of CMV-HCV coinfection in renal transplant recipient

The authors report a case of a 47-year-old cytomegalovirus (CMV) immunoglobulin G (IgG) seropositive male patient with end stage renal disease who received a live renal transplant from a CMV IgG seropositive donor. Six months post-transplantation, the patient presented with reduced renal allograft function associated with fever, severe breathlessness, new onset jaundice and pancytopenia. His CMV DNA PCR came positive. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA PCR also came positive (genotype I) though anti-HCV test performed before and after transplantation was negative. The patient was treated with oral valganciclovir and showed improvement of his clinical condition and was subsequently discharged under supervised therapy. However, the patient could not be treated for HCV because of risk of renal allograft rejection. The authors suggest oral valganciclovir for management of CMV infection and proper detection and eradication of HCV before renal transplantation to avoid future complications and prolongation of allograft survival.

High false-negative rate of anti-HCV among Egyptian patients on regular hemodialysis

Routine serological testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among hemodialysis (HD) patients is currently recommended. A dilemma existed on the value of serology because some investigators reported a high rate of false-negative serologic testing. In this study, we aimed to detect the false-negative rate of anti-HCV among Egyptian HD patients. Seventy-eight HD patients, negative for anti-HCV, anti-HIV, and hepatitis B surface antigen, were tested for HCV RNA by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In the next step, the viral load was quantified by real-time PCR in RT-PCR-positive patients. Risk factors for HCV infection, as well as clinical and biochemical indicators of liver disease, were compared between false-negative and true-negative anti-HCV HD patients. The frequency of false-negative anti-HCV was 17.9%. Frequency of blood transfusion, duration of HD, dialysis at multiple centers, and diabetes mellitus were not identified as risk factors for HCV infection. The frequency of false-negative results had a linear relation to the prevalence of HCV infection in the HD units. Timely identification of HCV within dialysis units is needed in order to lower the risk of HCV spread within the HD units. The high false-negative rate of anti-HCV among HD patients in our study justifies testing of a large scale of patients for precious assessment of effectiveness of nucleic acid amplification technology testing in screening HD patient.

Seropositivity for anti-HCV core antigen is independently associated with increased all-cause, cardiovascular, and liver disease-related mortality in hemodialysis patients

Background

It is not known whether chronic or past hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection contributes to the high mortality rate in hemodialysis patients.

Methods

This prospective study of 1077 adult hemodialysis patients without hepatitis B virus infection used Poisson regression analysis to estimate crude and sex- and age-adjusted rates (per 1000 patient-years) of all-cause, cardiovascular, infectious disease-related and liver disease-related mortality in patients negative for HCV antibody (group A), patients positive for HCV antibody and negative for anti-HCV core antigen (group B), and patients positive for anti-HCV core antigen (group C). The relative risks (RRs) for each cause of death in group B vs group C as compared with those in group A were also estimated by Poisson regression analysis after multivariate adjustment.

Results

A total of 407 patients died during the 5-year observation period. The sex- and age-adjusted mortality rate was 71.9 in group A, 80.4 in group B, and 156 in group C. The RRs (95% CI) for death in group B vs group C were 1.23 (0.72 to 2.12) vs 1.60 (1.13 to 2.28) for all-cause death, 0.75 (0.28 to 2.02) vs 1.64 (0.98 to 2.73) for cardiovascular death, 1.64 (0.65 to 4.15) vs 1.58 (0.81 to 3.07) for infectious disease-related death, and 15.3 (1.26 to 186) vs 28.8 (3.75 to 221) for liver disease-related death, respectively.

Conclusions

Anti-HCV core antigen seropositivity independently contributes to elevated risks of all-cause and cause-specific death. Chronic HCV infection, but not past HCV infection, is a risk for death among hemodialysis patients.

Prevalence and incidence of hepatitis C virus in hemodialysis patients in British Columbia: Follow-up after a possible breach in hemodialysis machines

BACKGROUND

A possible breach of the transducer protector in specific dialysis machines was reported in June 2004 in British Columbia (BC), which led to testing of hemodialysis patients for hepatitis C virus (HCV), hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HIV. This testing provided an opportunity to examine HCV incidence, prevalence and coinfection with HBV and HIV, and to compare anti-HCV and HCV polymerase chain reaction (PCR).

METHODS

The results of hemodialysis patients who were dialyzed on the implicated machines (65% of BC dialysis patients), and tested for HCV, HBV and HIV, between June 1, 2004, and December 31, 2004, were reviewed and compared with available previous results.

RESULTS

Of 1286 hemodialysis patients with anti-HCV and/or HCV-PCR testing, 69 (5.4%) tested positive. Two HCV genotype 4 seroconversions were identified. HCV incidence rate on dialysis was 78.8 cases per 100,000 person-years. Younger age, history of renal transplant and past HBV infection were associated with HCV infection. No occult infection was identified using HCV-PCR.

INTERPRETATION

Hemodialysis patients had three times the HCV prevalence rate of the general BC population, and more than 20 times the incident rate of the general Canadian population. One of the two seroconversions occurred before the testing campaign; the patient was likely infected during hemodialysis in South Asia. The other was plausibly a late seroconversion following renal transplant in South Asia. Nosocomial transmission cannot be ruled out because both patients were dialyzed in the same centre. Baseline and annual anti-HCV testing is recommended. HCV-PCR should be considered at baseline for persons with HCV risk factors, and for returning travellers who received dialysis in HCV-endemic countries to identify HCV infection occurring outside the hemodialysis unit.