European Study on Epidemiology and the Management of HCV in the Haemodialysis Population. Part 1: Centre Policy

Abstract

Haemodialysis patients are known to be at risk of infection of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) through nosocomial spread. This paper presents the first part of a study on epidemiology and management of HCV, in a haemodialysis population, conducted by the EDTNA/ERCA Research Board. Data on HCV management and infection control procedures was collected from 136 European centres using an electronic questionnaire. The study identifies a number of possible risk factors for transmission of the virus: failing to disinfect devices between patients, sharing of single-use vials to prepare drugs or infusions for different patients, inadequate sterilisation or cleaning of machines between dialysis sessions, unsatisfactory environmental cleaning and distance less than one metre between chairs.

Prevalence of Hepatitis C virus infections among the general population of Buner, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

“…Saudi Arabia had showed the high rate of prevalence in the haemodialysis patients that is 9.24% as that of blood donors that is 0.30% (Qadi et al, 2004). These studies show the transmission of hepatitis C through haemodialysis patients due to poor sterile techniques, poor cleaning of dialysis machine and other possible ways increase the risk of hepatitis C transmission among the patients (Zampieron et al, 2004).…”

Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus among hemodialysis patients in the Middle East and North Africa: systematic syntheses, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions

“…The high HCV incidence and prevalence in HD patients appear to reflect improper application of infection control measures, such as by healthcare personnel to maintain hands hygiene [199,202], to change gloves routinely [199,202], and to clean the dialysis unit and equipment properly between patients [8,203]. With the continuing conflict emergencies in several countries and the large refugee and migrant populations, overloading dialysis units and depletion of medical resources is a growing concern [204,205].…”

ICE volume 26 issue 9 Front matter

“…A total of 275 patients visited the physician's office between March 1 and December 26,2001. We obtained complete serologic information for 139 (51%) of these patients.…”

“…The physician complied with the order of the New York City DOH to cease administering injections on December 26,2001. In February 2002, the New York City DOH communicated by letter with all physicians in the city concerning the critical importance of adhering to guidelines for the control of infection and blood-borne pathogens, properly handling needles and multidose vials, vaccinating healthcare workers against HBV, and promptly notifying the health department of reportable diseases.…”