SEROPREVALENCE OF HEPATITIS C VIRAL INFECTIONS IN THALASSEMIA PATIENTS UNDERGOING MULTIPLE BLOOD TRANSFUSIONS IN A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine,
2022, Volume 9, Issue 3, Pages 1842-1853
Abstract
Introduction: Thalassemia is one of commonest hereditary disease worldwide, prevalent in humid climates and affects all races. The Transfusion Dependent Thalassemia require regular blood transfusion to survive. The thalassemia patients require lifelong blood transfusion on regular basis- usually administered every 2 to 5 weeks. Due to regular blood transfusion, transfusion transmitted disease e.g. HBV, HCV, HIV infections can occur.Materials and Methods: Observational study conducted over a period of one year, a total of 284 thalassemia patients were studied. Patients were screened for Hepatitis C viral infections by rapid test kit Tridot and the conformation was done by ELISA.
Results: Out of 284 thalassemia patients, 176(61.9%) were male and 108(38%) were females. Rural population 223 (78.52%) was more affected than urban population 61 (21.47%). Maximum patients of thalassemia belong to B+ ve 109 (38.24%) and O+ ve 101 (35.56%) blood group. Maximum 120 (42.25%) patients belong to 5.1 to 10 years age group and 86 (30.28%) belong to 0-5 years age group. Out of 118 patients 85(29.92%) patients were anti–HCV reactive. Maximum anti-HCV positive patients belong to 5.1- 10 years (35.29%) age group and 10.1 -14 years (29.41%) age group. Anti- HCV positivity increase with number of transfusions, 38.8% patients had blood transfusion more than 100 times.
Conclusion: Multi transfused patients must be regularly tested and monitored to ensure safe blood transfusion practices. Stringent donor screening with modern advents such as NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) and PCR must be done. Bringing awareness in community will help in reducing the problem statement.
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