RESUMO
To evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C in multiply transfused patients with beta thalassemia major [Cooley's anemia], 100 females and 88 males within the age range of 1-27 years were studied prospectively. Liver function tests were correlated with HCV antibody status. Fifty-one [27.1%] patients were seropositive for anti-HCV antibody; this correlated with the mean patient age, and the duration and amount of blood transfusion. No differences were detected regarding sex or history of splenectomy. Serum aspartate aminotransferase and globulin levels were significantly higher and albumin was significantly lower in infected patients. It is concluded that multiply transfused thalassemic patients are at high risk for HCV infection. Thus, routine screening of blood products for this virus is suggested