Frequency of hepatitis C in admitted patients of department of obstetrics and gynaecology, ghurki trust teaching hospital, Lahore

ABSTRACT

To assess the frequency of hepatitis C in admitted patients of department of obstetrics and gynaecology Ghurki trust teaching hospital, Lahore. Descriptive study this study was conducted on patients admitted in obstetrics and gynaecology ward Ghurki trust teaching hospital, Lahore from 1st January 2005 to 31st December 2005. A total of 1569 patients of age between 20 to 70 years were admitted in obstetrics and gynaecology ward Ghurki trust teaching hospital, Lahore and were screened for anti-HCV antibodies by 3rd generation ELISA. All positive patients were asked about previous history of jaundice, surgery, blood transfusion, multiple injections and dental procedures. Out of 1569 patients 107 were found to be anti-HCV positive. Mean age of patients was 34.5 years. Frequency of anti-HCV was maximum [38.3%] in 31-40 years age group and in gynaecology patients [12.5%]. Previous history of multiple injections and dai handling were the most commonly associated factors. Co-existent hepatitis B and C was found in only 2 [1.8%] patients. Hepatitis C is becoming an alarmingly common problem in the area of Ghurki Trust Teaching Hospital, Lahore. Its modes of transmission need to be properly evaluated for its control and prevention