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Abstract:
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Background: Hemophiliacs receiving component therapy are at risk of developing viral hepatitis and AIDS
Objective: To explore the Sero-positivity status of hemophiliacs of Kashmir for Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV infection.
Methods: From 1st October 2008 to 30th September 2009, 62 hemophiliacs attending the hematology clinic of SKIMS and 10 multiply transfused non-hemophiliacs were studied and screened for hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV (1 & 2) infections in the Department of Blood Transfusion and Immunohematology, SKIMS, Srinagar, using the second generation ELISA. A second sample (of the cases only) was taken one month before the completion of study and results were evaluated.
Results: Seroprevalence of hepatitis C was significant (14.5%;9/72) and within hemophiliacs (15.5%;9/62). Seroprevalence of hepatitis B was 1.6% (1/72) and among the hemophiliacs 1.7% (1/62). Seroprevalence of HIV (1 & 2) among the studied subjects and among hemophiliacs was zero. Same results were found in the second sample.
Conclusion: Hepatitis C and then Hepatitis B is common among hemophiliacs and is related to: Number of transfusions (1500 -2100 units), Multiplicity of catering blood banks, Mean duration of illness and transfusion or component reception. (Average 17.4 years), Higher age groups (15-30yr) i. e., the patients who had received components before the screening for Hepatitis C was made mandatory, and Low sensitivity of the diagnostic tools. Seroprevalence of HIV (1 or 2), among studied subjects was zero probably because HIV infection is not highly prevalent in our general population. And that the screening procedures adopted in our blood bank are up to date and stringent saving the chance of missing a seropositive donor due to lack of 100 % sensitivity of the diagnostic tests. |