Prevalence and Risk Factors of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Virus Infections in Repeatedly Transfused Thalassemia Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia patients who are conventionally treated by regular transfusion regimen are at a risk of acquiring transfusion transmitted infections, including hepatitis B and hepatitis C. Getting blood transfusion in different places makes them vulnerable to these blood borne infections. It is important to assess and update the prevalence of these infections along with their contributing factors for ensuring optimum preventive measures and further strengthening of the screening program. Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections in repeatedly transfused thalassemia patients and to determine the risk factors for acquiring these infections. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out in the Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Bangladesh Shishu Hospital& Institute, Dhaka, Bangladesh during the period July 2018 to December 2019. Total 73 thalassemia patients of 2 to 18 years were enrolled into the study following the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Demographic data and other related information were recorded in a standard data sheet. Hb%, SGPT, HBsAg, Anti-HBs titre, Anti-HCV were done in all patients. Collected data was checked and analyzed by computer based program SPSS version 26.0 for Windows. Results: Out of total 73 thalassemia patients, 44 were male and 29 were female. Mean age was 8.3±3.45 years where maximum number of patients belonged to 6-10 years. 2(2.7%) patients had positive HBsAg and 11(15.1%) had positive Anti-HCV antibody at the end of study. Prevalence of hepatitis B infection was associated with lack of immunization against it which was statistically significant (P<0.001). Hepatitis C virus infection in thalassemia patients was significantly associated with increasing duration of transfusion (P=0.043), frequency of transfusion (P<0.001) and elevated SGPT level (P<0.001). Comparing Anti-HBs titre, it is also found that there was decreased level of immunity against ..........