Antibody to hepatitis-C virus in multi-transfused thalassaemics--Indian experience
Agarwal, M.B.; Malkan, G.H.; Bhave, A.A.; Vishwanathan, C.; Billa, V.; Dube, S.R.; Bajan, K.; Rajadhyaksha, G.C.; Shah, S.H.
Journal of the Association of Physicians of India 41(4): 195-197
1993
ISSN/ISBN: 0004-5772 PMID: 8270554 Document Number: 409046
Twelve out of 72 (16.7%) multi-transfused patients with thalassemia major (age range: 7-22 years) were found to be positive for antibody to hepatitis-C virus (anti-HCV). Nine (75%) of these 12 cases were positive for hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) and/or hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs). Out of the remaining 60 patients (83.3%), 27 patients (45%) were positive for anti-HBc and/or anti-HBs, while six (10%) were HBsAg positive Anti-HCV positive patients had significant higher levels of liver enzymes than those who were negative (p < 0.01). S. Ferritin was also significantly higher in those with seropositivity for anti-HCV than those who were negative (p < 0.01). It is concluded that HCV (besides HBV) is a major problem in multi-transfused thalassemia major patients and routine pre-transfusion screening of blood for anti-HCV must be introduced in the blood banks.