Hepatitis C Virus Negative Group Research Articles

Retrospective study to assess the impact of hepatitis C virus infection on the prognosis and management of multiple myeloma.

e20001 Background: Multiple Myeloma (MM) is a neoplasm of the post-germinal center, terminally differentiated B-cells. MM accounts for 1% of all types of cancer and 10% for all hematologic malignancies. Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an infection that affects over 71 million patients worldwide. Cytotoxic agents and immunosuppressive therapy as steroids are the main line of therapy in lymphoid malignancies, but these drugs may exacerbate chronic viral hepatitis and cause uncontrolled replication of hepatitis viruses. The impact of HCV infection on MM patients remains unclear. Objective: To assess the impact of HCV infection on the prognosis and management of MM patients. Methods: A 10-year retrospective study of MM patients was conducted at Cairo University Clinical Oncology Department from January 2009 to April 2019. Results: During this time, 150 patients were diagnosed with MM, 109 (72.7%) were HCV negative, 24 (16%) were HCV positive, and 17 (11.3%) with unknown HCV status. The median age was 51 and 54 years for HCV negative and positive groups respectively, with a statistically insignificant difference (p-value > 0.2). In the multivariate analysis, HCV infection was not an independent factor related to overall survival (OS), however age, creatinine and hemoglobin levels correlated significantly with OS (p < 0.009, 0.008, 0.031 respectively). The median OS for the HCV negative group was 31.11 months (95% CI: 22.62 - 39.61) compared to 37.66 months (95% CI: 7.19 - 68.13) for the HCV positive group. The median progression-free survival (PFS) for all patients was 18.9 months, for HCV positive patients was 15.36 months (95% CI: 13.18 – 17.54), and for HCV negative patients was 20.49 months (95% CI: 14.13 – 26.85). Age below 60 years and creatinine level less than 2 mg/dL were statistically significant for favorable disease-free survival (DFS) (p < 0.030, 0.034 respectively). Conclusions: Age, creatinine and hemoglobin levels are significant prognostic factors in MM but HCV status doesn’t affect the overall survival or progression-free survival. HCV infection should not contraindicate MM therapy.

Assessment of coronary artery disease extension and severity in hepatitis C-infected patients

ObjectivesTo assess extension and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with hepatitis C viral infection.BackgroundChronic HCV infection causes hepatic and systemic inflammation via increased levels of proatherogenic chemokines and cytokinesPatients and methodsThis prospective cohort study was conducted on 200 stable patients scheduled for elective coronary angiography. All patients were evaluated by history taking and clinical, coronary angiography, and laboratory investigations, and the severity of the coronary lesions was estimated using the Gensini score.ResultsThere were statistically significant differences between both groups regarding the presence of ischemic ST-T changes, where 38 patients of group A had those changes, whereas 67 patients of group B had them (P = 0.009). There was a statistically significant difference between both groups regarding ejection fraction% and segmental wall motion abnormalities. Overall, 78% of hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive patients had significant CAD (group A) compared with 60% of patients with HCV negative (group B), with P = 0.006. Moreover, one-vessel affection was mainly among HCV-negative patients (55%) versus 34.6% in HCV-positive patients, with significant difference between both group (P = 0.003). Moreover, there was a statistically significant positive correlation between CAD severity according to Gensini score and HCV seropositivity (Gensini score in group A was 46.9 ± 53.7 vs. 17.9 ± 28.1 in group B; P < 0.001).ConclusionWe have demonstrated an association between HCV infection and the severity of coronary atherosclerosis assessed with Gensini score, and the proposed mechanism was exaggerated inflammation in response to hepatitis virus infection.

The clinical impact of hepatitis C virus infection in Egyptian multiple myeloma patients

BackgroundMultiple myeloma (MM) is a human B cell neoplasia characterized by the clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. Worldwide, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a public health problem. For MM patients, the clinical impact of preexisting HCV infection is still unclear. We aim to assess the clinical characteristics and the prevalence of the HCV infection in Egyptian MM patients. This observational study included 81 MM patients. HCV antibody assay was performed, and positive cases were confirmed using a reverse transcription-quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) method.ResultsFifteen (18.5%) patients were anti-HCV antibody positive. Only 6/15 (7.4%) patients were HCV RNA positive by RT-PCR. Liver affection in the form of hyperbilirubinemia with grade 4 adverse events was significantly higher in the anti-HCV positive/HCV RNA positive group versus anti HCV negative group (16.7% vs. 1.5%, p value = 0.005). The median HCV-RNA before the initiation of chemotherapy was 2.5 log IU/ml with mean ± SD = 4.25 ± 1.6 with no HCV reactivation. In the univariate and multivariate analysis, HCV infection was not an independent factor related to DFS. Low hemoglobin level < 10 g/dL (HR 0.59, 95% CI, 0.36–0.97, p value = 0.037) and abnormal serum total bilirubin level (HR 1.9, 95% CI 1.03–3.5, p value = 0.039) influenced DFS in the univariate analysis. However, in the multivariate analysis, serum calcium level greater than 12 mg/dL (HR 7.04, 95% CI 1.12–44.45, p value = 0.038) and abnormal serum total bilirubin level (HR 10.9, 95% CI 2.92–41.02, p value = < 0.001) remained statistically significant worse prognostic factors.ConclusionIn conclusion, our study revealed the prevalence of HCV infection in Egyptian MM patients. Serologic tests at diagnosis are necessary to identify these patients, and confirmation of positive cases by molecular techniques should be mandatory, with regular follow-up for liver dysfunction. Finally, further larger studies explaining the molecular mechanisms linking HCV and the MM pathogenesis are warranted.

Abstract P4-14-12: Effects of hepatitis C virus infection on the safety of chemotherapy for breast cancer patients: A retrospective chart analysis

Abstract Background: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major health problem in the United States and breast cancer is the second most common cancer in US women. Despite these prevalent diseases, there is limited information available on the effects of a concurrent HCV infection among breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy and the problems they face during their treatment. There are limited guidelines for chemotherapy treatment in HCV positive breast cancer patients. Methods: We performed a retrospective 2:1 matched case control analysis on breast cancer patients with a confirmed active HCV infection who received chemotherapy at Boston Medical Center between January 2000 and April 2015. Cases with HCV infection (n=6) were matched with controls (n=12) who were HCV negative. The controls were matched on age (decade) of diagnosis, stage of breast cancer, and intended chemotherapy regimen. We investigated dose delays, dose changes, hospitalization, hematologic reasons for dose delays, and variation in blood counts during the treatment period in these patients from their medical records. Statistical analysis was done using R version 3.4.0 to compare these outcomes of interest between the two groups. Fisher’s exact and Wilcoxon rank sum tests were used to compare the categorical and continuous variables respectively. Results: The HCV positive group was at a significantly higher risk of dose delays (100% vs. 33%, p = 0.01), dose changes (67% vs. 8%, p = 0.02), and hospitalization during chemotherapy (83% vs. 25%, p = 0.04) than their HCV matched controls. The risk of getting a dose delay due to hematotoxicity was significantly higher in the HCV positive group than the HCV negative group (83% vs. 8%, p = 0.003). The HCV positive patients took longer time to complete their treatment cycles than the HCV negative group. Conclusions: Chronic HCV infection in breast cancer patients receiving chemotherapy may be complicated by their active HCV infection. Treatment challenges due to dose changes, dose delays and hospitalizations were significantly more common when compared to controls. Chemotherapy delays and dose changes during breast cancer treatment has a negative consequence. In the era of curative treatment for HCV, future studies focused on the effect and treatment of concurrent HCV and breast cancer treatment is warranted. Citation Format: Saptaparni Ghosh, Minghua L Chen, Janice Weinberg, Naomi Y Ko. Effects of hepatitis C virus infection on the safety of chemotherapy for breast cancer patients: A retrospective chart analysis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2019 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2019 Dec 10-14; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(4 Suppl):Abstract nr P4-14-12.

1909-P: The Platelet-Derived Growth Factor a—An Additional Pathophysiological Factor in Hepatic Steatosis and Fibrosis Development Both in Patients with Hepatitis C and Patients with Prediabetes

Insulin resistance (IR) represents one of the key regulatory mechanisms in the development of non - alcoholic fatty liver disease. It is a common hepatocyte injury in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Higher plasma platelet-derived growth factor A (PDGF- A) concentration is associated with increased hepatic steatosis and fibrosis in T2DM. PDGFs are key regulators of the connective tissue formation and potent mitogens for hepatic stellate cells. We investigated whether there is an association between PDGF-A serum concentration, IR and HCV mediated hepatic steatosis and fibrosis. This cross-sectional study comprised 90 nondiabetic participants aged 47.11±1.54 years divided into 3 groups: HCV negative group with IR (HCV-/IR-, N=12), HCV positive group without IR (HCV+/IR-, N=34), HCV positive group with IR (HCV+/IR+, N=44). The fasting PDGF-A concentration was determined by enzyme-linked immunoadsorbent assay. Homeostatic Model Assessment of IR score over 1.64 was categorised as IR. Fibrosis and steatosis were evaluated by elastography. Steatosis severity accessed by Controlled Attenuation Parameter (p&amp;lt;0.001) had the mean value of 15.9 kPa in the HCV+/IR+ (p&amp;lt;0.001) revealing the highest value in HCV-/IR+ (296.5 dB/m) group. The PDGF-A concentration correlated positively with steatosis (r=0.341, p=0.007) and fibrosis (r=0.264, p=0.071). Both IR positive groups had higher PDGF-A compared to HCV+/IR- group (p=0.006). In accordance with more pronounced steatosis, the HCV-/IR+ group revealed the highest PDGF-A. Concentration of PDGF-A is associated with the severity of hepatic steatosis in HCV and non-HCV patients with IR; i.e., that PDGF-A could represent one of the key regulatory mechanisms in the pathway from hepatic steatosis towards fibrosis. These results provide better understanding of pathways that regulate fibrosis. Disclosure K. Blaslov: None. V. Kokic Males: None. S. Kokic: None. I. Kruljac: None.

The Relation between Interstitial Lung Disease and Chronic HCV Infection

Background and study aim: Interstitial lung disease (ILD) includes a variety group of about 200 conditions that insult the lung parenchyma with different patterns of inflammation and fibrosis. Hepatitis C virus (HCV)is Flavivirus with diverse hepatic and extrahepatic diseases. Its direct and indirect pathogenic association with many pulmonary manifestations-including interstitial lung disease-has been suggested yet needs more elucidation. Patients and Methods: A case control study was conducted with a total of 50 chronic hepatic patients. They were equally divided into two groups, HCV positive group (group 1= 25 patients) and HCV negative group (group 2= 25 patients). Group 1 was subdivided into two subgroups, without-idiopathic interstitial pneumonias patients (without IIPs subgroup A= 13 patients) and with idiopathic interstitial pneumonias patients (IIPs subgroup B = 12 patients). Both groups were subjected to thorough history taking, clinical examination, and routine investigations. The diagnosis of HCV was confirmed by viral markers including HCV antibodies and PCR. Other chronic hepatic liver diseases were confirmed by abdominal ultrasound and ultrasound- guided liver biopsy. Arterial blood gases, auto antibodies, Computerized pulmonary function tests and radiological studies including plain X ray chest and heart and HRCT scanning were also done. All patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) had fulfilled the ATS/ ERS diagnostic guidelines. Both groups were matched according to age, sex and body mass index. Results: The HCV positive group was found to have a significantly higher frequency of ILD than the HCV negative group with also more restrictive pattern hypoxemia and higher scores of IPF (by computed tomography). Conclusion: ILD is more frequent in patients with chronic HCV infection with higher grades of fibrosis and hypoxemia. HCV infection may be predisposing factor for IPF.

Efficacy of Ribavirin to Prevent Hepatitis Reactivation in Hepatitis C Virus-Infected Patients Treated for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, Single Egyptian Center Study

Background: Reports had found an association between B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. However, data on acute exacerbation and reactivation of chronic HCV infection following chemotherapy are very limited. We studied the efficacy of ribavirin to prevent hepatitis reactivation in HCV-infected patients treated for NHL. Methods: This study was carried out at Hematology and Medical Oncology unit, Internal Medicine Department, Zagazig University Hospitals and it included 57 patients with B-cell NHL who were naive to chemotherapy, among them 24 patients were positive for HCV antibody and 33 patients were negative for HCV (group C). The HCV infected group was subdivided into 11 patients who received ribavirin (group A) and 13 patients did not receive ribavirin (group B)and routine investigations for NHL were done, HCV RNA was measured for HCV infected patients before and after the end of chemotherapy. Results: HCV infection occurred in 42% of patients with B cell NHL. Acute hepatic enzyme exacerbation occurred in 8 (14%) of all patients with the highest percentage was 29.2 % among HCV infected patients (7/24), while only one patient (3%) in the HCV negative group (P = 0.007). Among the 24 NHL patients with HCV positivity, we compared group A and group B during chemotherapy as regards to hepatic enzyme flare, it was (27% and 30%, respectively, P = 0.6). Five (20.8%) of 24 NHL patients with HCV positivity were developed HCV PCR reactivation. Conclusions: The frequency of HCV infection in patients with B cell NHL was higher than in the general population and acute exacerbation and reactivation of chronic HCV infection occurred in a sizeable subset of patients with NHL during chemotherapy, However the use of ribavirin did not decrease hepatic enzyme flare or HCV PCR reactivation during chemotherapy. doi: http://dx.doi.org/10.4021/jh72w

Effect of Activated Vitamin D on Glucoparameters in HCV Seropositive and Seronegative Patients on Chronic Hemodialysis

Introduction: Many studies support the role of vitamin D in the pathogenesis of both types of diabetes. Pancreatic tissues express the vitamin D receptor (VDR) and vitamin D-binding protein; some allelic variations in genes involved in vitamin D metabolism and VDR are associated with glucose intolerance, defective insulin secretion, and sensitivity. Epidemiological links have been established between type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Aim: To explore the possible therapeutic potential of pharmacologic doses of 1-α-hydroxy vitamin D therapy in improving pancreatic β-cell function in HCV seropositive hemodialysis (HD) patients. Patients and methods: Twenty HCV seropositive HD patients and 20 HCV seronegative patients as control group were randomly selected from HD units. 1-α-Hydroxy vitamin D therapy was administrated in the dose ranged from 0.25 to 0.5 μg/day for 3 months. Corrected total serum calcium, phosphorus, intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), 25-hydroxy vitamin D [25(OH) vitamin D], 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D, and glucoparameters [fasting blood glucose, glycohemoglobin test (HbA1c%), homeostatic model assessment (HOMA)-insulin resistance, and HOMA-β-cell function% (B%)] were measured under basal conditions and after 3 months of therapy. Results: There was highly significant improvement in the concentrations of fetal bovine serum (FBS), serum insulin, HbA1c%, 25(OH) vitamin D, and HOMA-β-cell function in HCV seropositive and HCV seronegative groups after oral 1-alphacalcidiol therapy (p < 0.001). Positive correlation exists between the percentage increase in serum insulin and that in HOMA-β-cell function versus 25(OH) vitamin D (p < 0.021 and p < 0.027, respectively) in HCV negative group. Conclusion: 1-α-Hydroxy vitamin D oral therapy may improve glycemic control in HCV seropositive and HCV seronegative HD patients.

Long-Term Impact in Hepatitis C Virus Infection in Post Renal Transplantation

Purpose: The authors have evaluated the impact of the kidney transplantation associated with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, analyzing the complications, patients and graft survival. Methods: Retrospective study with 40 kidney transplant recipients with HCV infection and 40 kidney transplant recipients without HCV infection in the same post transplantation period. Results: the average follow-up after transplantation was 12.3 ± 4.5 years in patients with HCV infection and 12.5 ± 2.9 years in patients without HCV infection (p = 0.49). There was no statistical difference related to age and gender of the recipient nor donor age and type. The current renal function in patients with HCV infection was 47.3 ± 24.9 mL/min and 54.9 ± 27.2 mL/min in the HCV negative group (p = 0.54). The incidence of graft and patient survival was similar in both groups. The main cause of death in both groups was bacterial infection (10% in patients with HCV infection and 12.5% in HCV negative patients (p = 0.63). The most common complication in the two groups were acute allograft rejection and bacterial infection. The incidence of diabetes mellitus did not differ statistically in both groups. Abnormal liver enzymes levels and cirrhosis were observed only in patients with HCV infection. Conclusion: HCV infection did not impact patient or graft survival and post-transplant complications were similar in both groups during a mean follow-up period of 12 years.

Clinical outcomes of Torque teno virus-infected thalassemic patients with and without hepatitis C virus infection

BackgroundAlthough a marked proportion of thalassemic patients acquire Torque teno virus (TTV) through blood transfusion, its clinical importance is unclear. This study was designed to investigate the clinical importance of TTV infection in thalassemic patients with and without hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection in Iran.MethodsIn this case-control study, 107 thalassemic patients on chronic transfusion and 107 healthy individuals were selected. According to HCV and TTV infection status (detected by semi-nested PCR), patients were categorized into 4 groups: TTV and HCV negative, TTV positive, HCV positive, and TTV and HCV positive. Blood ferritin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in these 4 groups were assessed.ResultsApproximately half of the thalassemic patients (50.5%) and 27.1% of controls had TTV infection. Thalassemic patients had a greater chance of TTV infection compared to the control group with a sex-adjusted OR of 4.13 (95% CI=2.28-8.13). The increased levels of ALT, AST, and ferritin in the TTV and HCV-infected group were not significantly different from those in the TTV and HCV negative group. Co-infection with TTV and HCV did not significantly increase ALT, AST, and ferritin levels compared to infection with TTV alone.ConclusionAlthough common in thalassemic patients, TTV infection appears to have a negligible role in increasing the severity of liver disease, even when co-infection with HCV occurs.

Role of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in the Prognosis After Hepatectomy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients With Cirrhosis

The role of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in determining the prognosis after hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with cirrhosis is controversial. Retrospective study based on multicenter prospectively updated databases. Two tertiary referral centers specializing in hepatobiliary surgery. Two hundred four consecutive patients with cirrhosis undergoing hepatectomy for single nodules of HCC of 5 cm or smaller from January 1, 1997, through September 30, 2006. Patients were divided into the following groups according to their preoperative viral status: HBV positive and hepatitis C virus (HCV) negative (group 1); HBV negative and HCV positive (group 2); HBV negative and HCV negative (group 3); and HBV positive and HCV positive (group 4). A multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors associated with recurrence-free survival (RFS) among demographic, clinical, pathological, and surgical variables. The 2 centers had comparable RFS and early and late recurrence rates. Five-year RFS was significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 compared with group 1 (38%, 34%, and 9%, respectively; P = .007 and P = .05). Factors independently associated with RFS were HBV infection (P = .009; odds ratio, 1.79; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-2.78) and poor tumor differentiation (P < .001; odds ratio, 2.01; 95% confidence interval, 1.36-2.96). The concomitance of 0, 1, or 2 risk factors led to 5-year RFS rates of 49%, 20%, and 8%, respectively (P < .001). Infection with HBV is a strong predictive factor for lower RFS after hepatectomy for a single nodule of HCC of 5 cm or smaller in patients with cirrhosis, providing a further basis for adjuvant antiviral treatment. Patients who are seropositive for HBV with poorly differentiated HCC should also be considered to be at a high risk of recurrence and possibly included in a policy of salvage liver transplantation.

Effects of hepatitis C virus infection on haematocrite and haemoglobin levels in Egyptian hemodialysis patients

Aim: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common among the Egyptians. This prevalence is higher among hemodialysis (HD) patients in whom anemia is a common finding. Recently, some case reports and few studies indicated that red cell status increased after hepatitis C viral infection among HD patients. The aim of our study is to investigate whether HCV-positive HD patients have higher hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (HCT) values compared to HCV-negative patients. Methods: Ninety-nine chronic (HD) patients were the subject of this study. Their HCV status was determined by anti-HCV antibodies and confirmed with RNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Those with a history of blood transfusion or massive blood loss during the last 6 months were excluded from the study. Results: 70.7% of our patients tested positive for anti-HCV antibody (56.9 % were male). The mean age for HCV positive group was (40.41±14.17 years) while it was (47.35±19.18 years) for HCV negative group (P=0.08). HCV positive group has a longer hemodialysis duration (66.54 ± 43.92 months) compared to HCV negative patients (30.96±23.17 months, P=0.006). Mean Hb was similar in HCV-positive compared to HCV negative group (10.32±2.03 versus 10.22±1.52 gm/dl respectively) (P=0.63). Mean HCT values were also similar in both groups being 30.94± 6.089% in HCV positive versus 30.77± 4.53% in HCV negative group, respectively (P= 0.094). Fifty-five patients (39 HCV positive and 16 were HCV negative) received erythropoietin (EPO) therapy whilst only twenty patients received IV iron. Mean Erythropoietin dose was 5000±2236.06 Units/week in HCV- positive patients versus 6250±2720.29 Units /week in HCV - negative group (P=0.09). Liver function tests were normal except for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) that was significantly higher among HCV-positive compared to HCV-negative patients (31.75±36.4 vs 15.1±7.21 U/L, P=0.05). Conclusion: HCV-positive and HCV-negative Egyptian chronic hemodialysis patients have comparable hemoglobin as well as hematocrit levels and the erythropoietin dose was not influential as its lower value in HCV-positive patients did not reach a statistically significant level.

Impact of Hepatitis C Virus Infection on Kidney Transplantation

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection increases morbimortality in renal transplantation. Hepatitis C virus positive kidney transplant candidates who remain on the waiting list show a greater risk of mortality than those who are transplanted. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of HCV infection on patient and allograft survival after kidney transplantation. Eighty two patients with end stage renal disease underwent kidney transplantation were included in this study. The patients were classified into group I including 46 HCV negative patients (HCV-) and group II including 36 HCV antibody and HCV-RNA positive patients (HCV+). The immunosuppressive protocols were similar in both groups. All recipients were followed up for 3years.Results: There were statistically insignificant differences (P>0.05) between both groups as regard age, gender and donor type (living related or unrelated). Hemodialysis duration before transplantation was highly significant (P 0.05); 2 grafts (4.3%) lost in HCV- group and 3 (8.3%) in HCV+ group with also insignificant difference (P>0.05). Five recipients (10.9%) in group I experienced delayed graft function compared to 2 (5.6%) recipients in group II with statistically insignificant difference. There was a significantly (P< 0.05) more number of acute rejection episodes among HCV+ patients (11=30.6%) than HCV- patients (5=10.9%).New onset diabetes mellitus occurred more among HCV+ (19.4%) than HCV- (8.7%) recipients, however the difference was insignificant. There was a significant (P<0.05) higher incidence of cytomegalovirus disease among HCV+ (11.1%) than HCV- (2.2%) recipients. Conclusion: This study suggested that HCV positivity does not significantly affect patient and graft survival despite the significant increased incidence of acute rejection episodes and cytomegalovirus disease. Lastly, all measures should be taken to prevent HCV transmission in dialysis population.

Impaired renal allograft, but not patient survival, in patients with antibodies to hepatitis C virus

The impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in renal transplant patients is controversial and there are no data on the outcome of renal transplantation in this sub-group of Irish patients. To examine the outcome of renal transplantation in patients with hepatitis C. We examined the outcome of first grafts from renal transplant patients with hepatitis C antibody positive and compared them to a control group. During this period, 24 HCV positive patients received 33 grafts. All were treated with standard immunosuppression. Graft survival rate was less in the HCV positive cases (p=0.0087). Graft survival at 1 year was 75% in the HCV positive group versus 85% in the HCV negative group, 40% versus 62% at 5 years and 14% compared with 40% at 10 years. Patient survival was similar in both groups (p=0.78). Patient survival at 1 year was 96% versus 94%, 87% versus 80% at 5 years and 70% in both groups at 10 years. In the Irish renal transplant population, the presence of hepatitis C antibodies, before or after transplantation is associated with worse long-term graft, but not patient survival.

徳島県におけるＨＣＶ抗体スクリーニングの輸血後非Ａ非Ｂ型肝炎予防効果に関する研究

The significance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody determination as a screening test was examined prospectively by clarifying the positive rate of HCV antibody in transfusional blood and examining the incidence of posttransfusional non-A non-B hepatitis and characters of HCV antibody positive blood after HCV antibody screening in Tokushima Prefecturte.The following results were obteined.1. The HCV antibody positive rate in blood after conventional screening with aspartate aminotranserase (ALT) activity was 0.9% and the rate in all donors blood were 1.35%.2. The HCV antibody positive rate in blood of more than 36 KU ALT activity was 7.6%. The positive rate in blood of less than 35 KU ALT activity was 1.2%. The HCV antibody positive rate in higher ALT activity blood showed significantly higher values.3. No significant difference was observed in HCV antibody positive rate between HBs antigen negative group and positive group.4. Various test values were compared between HCV positive group and negative group after conventional screening. As a result, ALT showed significantly heighter values in the HCV antibody positive group. No significant difference was observed in alkalinephosphatase, total protein, albumin, albumin-globulin-index, blood urea nitorogen, cholesterol between both groups.5. Posttransfusional non-A non-B hepatitis occurred in 3 (3.4%) of 87 cases that received transfusion with HCV antibody screened blood. It was significantly lower than the rate before initiation of HCV antibody screening.6. It became clear that introduction of trnasfusion blood screening with HCV antibody is effective in the prevention of posttransfusional hepatitis.