Objectives: We investigated the clinical, epidemiologic, and pathogenetic features of viral hepatitis C in hemodialysis departments.
Materials and methods: This multicenter study included patients who were seen at the hemodialysis department in Tashkent, Uzbekistan and at regional departments located in the Republic of Uzbekistan. We examined 395 patients who were on hemodialysis from 3 to 15 years. A diagnosis of chronic viral hepatitis C was made on the basis of anamnesis, clinical laboratory data, and detection of immunoglobulin G antibodies for hepatitis C virus.
Results: From clinical and laboratory results analyzed in 395 patients, markers of infection with parenteral viral infections were shown in 181 patients (45.8%). Chronic viral hepatitis C had the highest incidence among infections, which was detected in 125 patients (31.6%). With regard to chronic renal failure, 11 patients (34%) with chronic viral hepatitis C had a transient form of chronic renal hepatic failure with development of adverse outcomes. Of patients with chronic viral hepatis C infection, 13 patients (40%) with hemorrhagic syndrome developed progressive anemia and 8 patients (25%) developed persistent polyserositis in the form of hydrothorax, ascites, and pericarditis. These developments reflect the aggravating effects of chronic viral hepatitis C on the course of chronic renal failure.
Conclusions: In our study that included patients seen at hemodialysis departments in Uzbekistan, chronic viral hepatitis C was greatly prevalent, although occurring mainly in a minimal form of the pathologic process. Chronic viral hepatitis C has an aggravating effect on the course of underlying diseases with development of adverse outcomes.