Seroprevalence of Hepatitis C in Hemophilia Patients Refering to Iran Hemophilia Society Center in Tehran

Abstract

Background:

Hemophilia is a congenital disease resulting in deficiency of clotting factors. For this reason they have a constant need of clotting factors which makes them one of the largest consumers of blood products. Through this blood product use, many of these patients have become infected by hepatitis C virus (HCV). We have studied the seroprevalence of anti-HCV antibody and HCV infection in hemophilic patients refereeing to Iran Hemophilia Society center in Tehran.

Materials and Methods:

In a cross-sectional study we reviewed files of all hemophilic patients registered in Iran Hemophilia Society center in Tehran from 2003 to 2005. Subjects with available results of anti-HCV antibody were included.

Results:

Among the 1170 files examined, 1095 contained data on HCV infection status. From these, 802 subjects (72.3%) had anti-HCV antibodies. Genotype 1 was most common (60%) followed by genotype 3 (38%). Almost 10% of patients with anti-HCV antibodies had a negative HCV RNA by PCR.

Conclusions:

HCV is very common among hemophilic patients and considering the risk for the patients and their contacts it is necessary to screen all hemophiliacs for HCV and treat if indicated.