Epidemiology of Hepatitis C Virus Among Long-Term Dialysis Patients: A 9-Year Study in an Italian Region

摘要: Background: Monitoring hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies (anti-HCV) in long-term dialysis patients is an important issue of public health. The aim the study to analyze prevalence, seroconversion rate, and impact HCV-positive serological test results on survival. Methods: We studied 6,412 starting therapy reported Lazio Dialysis Registry (Italy) between 1995 2003. HCV status was assessed by using second- or third-generation assays. Patients who were seronegative at beginning a period became seropositive end same are defined as seroconverters. Results: In 2003, overall prevalence anti-HCV among decreased from 30.6% 15.1%; we did not observe decrease those treatment. After first year, rates remained stable approximately 2 cases/100 person-years. Survival 9 years lower for both seroconverters already positive initiation compared with HCV-negative subjects (log-rank test, P Conclusion: significant could be related survival probability subjects. Our findings confirm that additional efforts should made minimize risk infection before during