Muhammad Fayaz Khan Burki, Mumtaz Hassan, Hamid Hussain, Yasir Bin Nisar, Jai Krishan.
Prevalence of anti-Hepatitis C antibodies in multiply transfused beta thalassemia major patients.
Ann Pak Inst Med Sci Jan ;1(3):150-3.

Background: Thalassaemia is inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder. Due to repeated blood transfusions in thalassaemic children hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV occur. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common in transfusion-dependent thalassaemia. Multiple transfused patients represent a major risk group for hepatitis C (HCV) acquirement. Objective: To study the prevalence of anti-hepatitis C (Anti-HCV) antibodies in beta thalassaemia major in Children Hospital, PIMS, Islamabad and in Fatmid Foundation Peshawar. Materials and Methods: This was a descriptive study of 2 years duration from January 2002 to December 2003, conducted at Children Hospital, PIMS, Islamabad and in Fatmid Foundation Peshawar. Children of 3 months to 12 years age, with beta thalassaemia and having regular blood transfusion at these two centers were enrolled. Complete history and physical examination was carried out and blood samples were collected for anti-HCV antibodies detection. The laboratory techniques for analysis were immunochromatographic, and where necessary, ELISA techniques. Results: During the study period, a total of 180 beta thalassaemia major children were enrolled at two sites. Out of these 180 children, 75 (41.7%) children were positive for antiHCV antibodies. Conclusion: The high prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in the present study indicates that immediate steps should be taken to identify and confirm the clinical status among children. Despite viral screening for blood donation, primary HCV infection remains important cause of viral infection among thalassaemic children of our country. Undiscovered transmissible agents might also contribute to induce hepatocellular injury.

PakMediNet -Pakistan's largest Database of Pakistani Medical Journals - http://www.pakmedinet.com