Fulminant hepatic failure: role of delta virus

ABSTRACT

A prospective study was carried out on all HBsAg positive patients [n=43] with fulminant hepatic failure admitted between March 1994 and November 1994 to the Department of Medicine, Nishtar Medical College, Multan, to assess the prevalence of delta markers. Of these, 19 [44.2%] were positive for hepatitis D virus [HDV] markers and 24 [55.8%] were negative. The frequency of severe encephalopathy [grade IV and V] was higher among anti-HD positive patients [79%] as compared to anti-HD negative patients [45.8%], and the difference was significant [p<0.5]. The mortality was also higher in the anti-HD positive group [57.9%] as opposed to anti-HD negative group [37.5%]. The fact that HBV and HDV infections are endemic in this region and that HDV markers are present in a significant number of HBsAg positive patients, emphasizes the need for development of effective strategies for prophylaxis against both infections