Frequency of hepatitis B and hepatitis C in multi-transfused beta thalassemia major patients

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of hepatitis B and C virus infection among children with beta thalassemia major registered at Military Hospital Rawalpindi. Descriptive Study. The study was carried out at Military Hospital Rawalpindi, from 1st September 2008 to 31st August 2009. Children attending Thalassemia Centre Military Hospital Rawalpindi for regular blood transfusion were registered. They belonged to different ethnic groups and came from different parts of the country. Their demographic data was recorded, detailed history taken and physical examination was carried out. Their serum samples were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen and anti HCV antibody assay with third generation commercial ELISA method. During the study, 141 patients of beta thalassemia major were screened. Out of them 50 patients [35.5%, 95% confidence interval 27.8-43.5] were found hepatitis C virus antibody positive and 1 patient [0.7%] hepatitis B surface antigen positive. One patient [0.7%] had both hepatitis B and C virus infection. Mean age of hepatitis C infected patients was 10.4+3.85years [range 2-16 years]. Mean age of uninfected patients was 6.1+ 3.59 years. [p value 0.000]. In addition, the results indicate that higher prevalence of anti-HCV was significantly associated with longer duration of transfusion [p value <0.003]. In spite of the fact that screened blood is used for transfusions, still a large number of patients have been found infected with hepatitis C. Therefore more accurate techniques are required for screening of blood to prevent transfusion associated transmission