Antibody to hepatitis-C virus in multi-transfused thalassaemics--Indian experience

J Assoc Physicians India. 1993 Apr;41(4):195-7.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Antibodies, Viral / isolation & purification*
  • Child
  • Female
  • Hepacivirus / immunology*
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / isolation & purification
  • Hepatitis B virus / immunology
  • Humans
  • India
  • Liver / enzymology
  • Male
  • Transfusion Reaction*
  • beta-Thalassemia / therapy*

Substances

  • Antibodies, Viral
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens