ABSTRACT
Heptatic cirrhosis is a common condition in our country and because of its morbidity and mortality the financial implications of this disease are enormous for our health care system. Diagnosis of cirrhosis, especially in the advanced stage, means ultimate progression to death due to the complications occurring in due course of the disease. It is therefore important to know about the main factors responsible for this condition so as to avoid or remove them before establishment of this deadly disease. Alcohol is an important cause of cirrhosis in the western world but in developing countries hepatotropic viruses namely Hepatitis B virus and Hepatitis C virus are mainly responsible for this condition. The aim of this study was to know about the recent situation regarding causation of this disease in our area and to make comparison with similar studies carried out elsewhere. This study was conducted in department of medicine at DHQ Teaching Hospital D.I. Khan from 1st January 2003 to April 2006. All cirrhotic patients attending this hospital were admitted to the Medical Unit. Serum was tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen and for Hepatitis C virus antibodies by ELISA. A total of 336 patients were studied. Their variables were recorded and analyzed. Out of 336 patients, 190 [56.54%] were HCV positive, 102 [30.35%] were positive for Hepatitis B Surface antigen. Sixteen [4.76%] were having markers of both Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C virus indicating dual infection. In 28 [8.33%] patients there was no evidence of infection with either Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C virus. Two hundred and twenty eight [67.85%] patients were males and 108 [32.15%] were females. As a conclusion cases of cirrhosis due to Hepatitis C virus outnumber all other causes and the condition is more common in males