Epidemiology, surveillance, and prevention of hepatitis C virus infections in hemodialysis patients

Clinical outcomes between elderly ESKD patients under peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis: a national cohort study

With ageing populations, new elderly end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) cases rise. Unlike younger patients, elderly ESKD patients are less likely to undergo kidney transplant, and therefore the decision of receiving peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD) is more crucial. A total of 36,852 patients, aged more than 65, who were newly diagnosed with ESKD and initiated renal replacement therapy between 2013 and 2019 were identified. These patients were categorized into two groups: the PD group and the HD group according to their long-term renal replacement treatment. After propensity score matching, the PD group (n = 1628) displayed a lower incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) (10.09% vs. 13.03%, hazard ratio (HR): 0.74, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.66-0.83), malignancy (1.23% vs. 2.14%, HR: 0.55, 95% CI: 0.40-0.76), and MACCE-associated mortality (1.35% vs. 2.25%, HR: 0.62, 95% CI: 0.46-0.84) compared to the HD group (n = 6512). However, the PD group demonstrated a higher rate of infection (34.09% vs. 24.14%, HR: 1.28, 95% CI: 1.20-1.37). The risks of all-cause mortality and infection-associated mortality were not different. This study may provide valuable clinical information to assist elderly ESKD patients to choose HD or PD as their renal replacement therapy.

KDOQI US Commentary on the 2018 KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for the Prevention, Diagnosis, Evaluation, and Treatment of Hepatitis C

The first KDIGO (Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes) guideline for the prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was published in 2008. The ensuing decade bore witness to remarkable advances in the treatment of HCV infection following the approval of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents that deliver cure rates routinely >95%. In this context, the KDIGO organization correctly recognized the need for an updated HCV guideline that would be relevant to the treatment of HCV-infected patients with kidney disease in the DAA era. The current NKF-KDOQI (National Kidney Foundation-Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative) commentary provides an in-depth review and perspective on the 2018 KDIGO guideline. Of note, the KDIGO work group made significant updates to guideline chapters 2 and 4 as a direct result of the availability of DAAs. The intent of this commentary is to provide useful interpretation for nephrologists and other practitioners caring for HCV-infected patients with chronic kidney disease, including dialysis patients and kidney transplant recipients. The availability of DAA agents that are safe and highly effective has created new opportunities, such as the transplantation of kidneys from HCV-infected kidney donors. The ability to treat HCV infection in patients with kidney disease will have a significant impact on the care of our patients and should favorably influence long-term outcomes as well.

Infection with hepatitis C virus in hemodialysis patients: An overview of the diagnosis and prevention rules within a hemodialysis center (Review)

Increase in the number of patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) calls for improved management of these patients. In stage 5 CKD, when the initiation of renal replacement therapy (RRT) becomes necessary, there is an increase in the infection risk of the patients and immunological tests for hepatitis C virus (HCV) detection turn positive at an alarmingly higher rate compared to general population. With the introduction into clinical practice of diagnostic tests, the increased prevalence of HCV among CKD patients has been known since the 1990s. Also, the negative impacts of HCV infection on CKD evolution as well as the unfavorable evolution of grafts received by HCV infected patients are known. Chronic hemodialysis patients are a category of patients whose risk of HCV infection is substantial. Currently, in the hemodialysis centers, at the base of the transmission of HCV infection there are a multitude of factors. Infection with HCV has a different impact on patient with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Comorbidities in this case have significant sources of mortality and morbidity. It was proven that the post transplantations problems were prevented and mortality was reduced for patients who were diagnosed with HCV and in whom the infection was treated before the kidney transplant (KT). Consequently, early detection of the infection and the application of specific treatment has a considerable impact on the outcome of the patients. Another important component of the management of HCV infection in the chronic hemodialysis patients is the prevention of the infection transmission by applying specific methods.

Hepatitis C Infection in Hemodialysis Patients

Three centuries after the identification of hepatitis C virus (HCV), specialized literature has outlined the epidemiology, viral kinetics and clinical manifestations of this infection. A major cause of morbidity-mortality in patients with renal transplantation and in hemodialysis patients is HCV infection. In high seroprevalence countries, internal accounts are not uniform. The European trend is to decrease the incidence and prevalence of HCV in hemodialysis patients. In Europe, the prevalence of HCV infection among hemodialysis patients tends to be higher than that of the general population, but it is variable by region. Some studies indicate a decrease in incidence in parallel with prevalence in dialysis centers over the last 10 years, while others maintain a high incidence. In some countries, as is the case with Romania, both prevalence and incidence remain high, with the major route of transmission being nosocomial, probably due to limited resources for a rapidly growing dialyzed population. Some authors recommend more isolation measures to be taken in centers with high prevalence of infection.

Ombitasvir, Paritaprevir, Ritonavir, and Dasabuvir With or Without Ribavirin in Patients With Kidney Disease

INTRODUCTION

Patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and chronic kidney disease (CKD) are a high-priority population for treatment.

METHODS

We performed a post hoc pooled efficacy and safety analysis that included HCV genotype 1-infected patients with compensated liver disease and CKD stages 1 to 3 who received the all-oral 3-direct-acting antiviral regimen of ombitasvir, paritaprevir, ritonavir, and dasabuvir ± ribavirin (OBV/PTV/r + DSV ± RBV) in 11 phase 3 clinical trials. Sustained virologic response rates at posttreatment week 12 (SVR12) and treatment-related adverse events (AEs), serious AEs, and renal-associated AEs are reported. Mean changes from baseline in serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) were calculated to assess changes in renal function. Factors associated with improved eGFR were assessed by stepwise logistic regression analysis of data from 7 trials in which baseline urinalysis was collected.

RESULTS

SVR12 rates in patients with stage 1, 2, and 3 CKD were 97% (439/453), 98% (536/547), and 97% (32/33), respectively, with OBV/PTV/r + DSV; and, 96% (1172/1221), 96% (1208/1254), and 93% (55/59), respectively, with OBV/PTV/r + DSV + RBV. Overall rates of serious AEs and renal AEs were 3% (95/3567) and 2% (56/3567), respectively. Factors associated with an eGFR increase of ≥10 ml/min per 1.73 m2 were baseline proteinuria, body mass index, nonblack race, and history of diabetes.

CONCLUSION

OBV/PTV/r + DSV ± RBV achieved high SVR rates and was generally well tolerated irrespective of CKD stage.

The epidemiology of HCV infection in patients with advanced CKD/ESRD: A global perspective

Liver disease in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) is most commonly due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) and contributes to increased rates of mortality. Among the pre-dialysis population, the estimated prevalence of anti-HCV positivity is based on few, limited-size studies. In hemodialysis patients however, HCV remains very prevalent despite large declines in seropositivity rates in dialysis facilities in developed countries after preventive measures were adopted in the 1990s. Recent surveys indicate that the HCV seropositivity prevalence ranges from 1.4%-28.3%, and 4.7%-41.9%, among maintenance dialysis patients in developed and developing countries respectively. Although the full extent of dialysis unit-associated HCV transmission is unknown, outbreaks continue to occur, regardless of health system infrastucture. According to US Centers for Disease Control data, over 50% of health care-associated HCVoutbreaks reported from 2008 to 2015 occurred within dialysis facilities. Strict adherence to infection control procedures and routine serologic screening plays a pivotal role in preventing transmission of HCV within hemodialysis units, even in the setting of low HCV prevalence. With the advent of directly acting antivirals, cure of HCV-infected patients on maintenance hemodialysis will help reduce transmission within units and further lower the frequency of HCV infection.

Hepatitis C virus antibodies in outpatients with chronic kidney disease

Aim of the study

To determine the seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in outpatients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) attending a nephrology clinic.

Material and methods

Prospective observational study on consecutive outpatients attending a nephrology clinic. Inclusion criteria were age > 18 years, CKD, informed consent. There were no exclusion criterias. Recorded variables were age, gender, CKD grade and etiology, anti-HCV antibodies (Ab). Patients with positive HCV Abs were tracked for HCV RNA detection. Study interval was from November 2015 to March 2016. The study has been approved by the Ethic committee of F.D. Roosevelt University Hospital. Funded by Restricted Grant of AbbVie Slovakia.

Results

One hundred and thirty-four patients were enrolled, with median age 70 years (19.7-91), 52% women. CKD grades: G1/2 – 52 patients (39%), G3a – 34 patients (25%), G3b – 32 patients (24%), G4 – 8 patients (6%), G5 – 8 patients (6%); CKD etiology: tubulointerstitial nephritis (TIN) – 53 patients (40%), nephrosclerosis (NS) – 30 patients (22%), diabetic nephropathy (DN) – 23 patients (17%), glomerulonephritis (GN) – 23 patients (17%), others – 5 patients (4%). Anti-HCV antibodies were detected in 8 patients (6%). There were no significant differences in CKD grades between HCV+ and HCV– patients; Heymann nephritis and GN were significantly more frequent in HCV– patients, as was male gender. Of 8 HCV Ab positive patients, 5 were available for HCV RNA testing (2 died after completion of the study, 1 was lost to follow-up); of them, 1 patient tested positive.

Conclusions

Prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies in CKD patients was 6%, which is 4 times higher than in the general population of Slovakia; HCV RNA was detected in 1 patient (12.5%) of anti-HCV positive patients. Based on this result, multicentric, a larger-scale study is considered to be warranted.

Hepatitis C virus transmission in a Dutch haemodialysis unit: detailed outbreak investigation using NS5A gene sequencing

BACKGROUND

Haemodialysis is a risk factor for hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission. Two patients receiving haemodialysis in a Dutch dialysis unit in The Hague were found to seroconvert to HCV in December 2016 after the yearly routine control for blood-borne viruses. Following the presumed time of infection, three chronically infected HCV patients were identified as possible index cases.

AIM

To confirm inter-patient transmission and to identify the source.

METHODS

Molecular investigation and review of medical records were performed.

FINDINGS

Both of the incident cases and one of the three possible index cases were demonstrated to be infected with HCV genotype 2b based on 5'UTR sequencing. Epidemiological relatedness between these viruses was further investigated by sequencing of the NS5A region. Phylogenetic analysis clearly identified the incident cases and the index case to represent a cluster distinct from unrelated controls with HCV genotype 2b. Detailed review of the medical records identified two possible incidents that might have resulted in the HCV transmission cases: contamination of the venous pressure-sensing port due to high venous pressures or incomplete compliance with infection control precautions of the unit staff during handling of two incidents, that occurred at the same time in a single haemodialysis session with the index patient as well as both incident cases present.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that detailed incident recording in combination with state-of-the-art molecular investigations such as sequencing of the NS5A region resulted in unravelling a set of two HCV transmissions that occurred at a haemodialysis unit.

Hepatitis C virus infection and chronic renal disease: A review

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a parenterally-transmitted hepatotropic virus that often causes chronic infection, which can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Development of highly effective direct-acting anti-viral agents (DAAs) has led to a paradigm change in the treatment of HCV infection over the last 4-5 years. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at a higher risk of acquiring HCV infection. In these patients, diagnosis of HCV infection, assessment of the consequent liver disease and management of HCV infection pose some specific problems. This article reviews the available recent information on HCV infection and CKD, including the association between these conditions and their effect on each other, and prevention, evaluation, and management of HCV infection in persons with CKD. This review looks at this issue particularly from the perspective of readers in Asia, especially India, since the epidemiology of HCV-CKD association and the repertoire of anti-HCV drugs available in this region differ from those elsewhere.

The impact of direct-acting antiviral agents on liver and kidney transplant costs and outcomes

Direct-acting antiviral medications (DAAs) have revolutionized care for hepatitis C positive (HCV+) liver (LT) and kidney (KT) transplant recipients. Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients registry data were integrated with national pharmaceutical claims (2007-2016) to identify HCV treatments before January 2014 (pre-DAA) and after (post-DAA), stratified by donor (D) and recipient (R) serostatus and payer. Pre-DAA, 18% of HCV+ LT recipients were treated within 3 years and without differences by donor serostatus or payer. Post-DAA, only 6% of D-/R+ recipients, 19.8% of D+/R+ recipients with public insurance, and 11.3% with private insurance were treated within 3 years (P < .0001). LT recipients treated for HCV pre-DAA experienced higher rates of graft loss (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] 1.34 1.852.10 , P < .0001) and death (aHR 1.47 1.681.91 , P < .0001). Post-DAA, HCV treatment was not associated with death (aHR 0.34 0.671.32 , P = .25) or graft failure (aHR 0.32 0.641.26 , P = .20) in D+R+ LT recipients. Treatment increased in D+R+ KT recipients (5.5% pre-DAA vs 12.9% post-DAA), but did not differ by payer status. DAAs reduced the risk of death after D+/R+ KT by 57% (0.19 0.430.95 , P = .04) and graft loss by 46% (0.27 0.541.07 , P = .08). HCV treatment with DAAs appears to improve HCV+ LT and KT outcomes; however, access to these medications appears limited in both LT and KT recipients.

Management of hepatitis C viral infection in chronic kidney disease patients on hemodialysis in the era of direct-acting antivirals

The advent of novel, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has revolutionized its treatment by producing a sustained virologic response of more than 95% with few side effects and no comorbidities in the general population. Until recently, ideal DAA regimens have not been available to patients with severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease because there are limited data on the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of treatment in this unique population. In a hemodialysis context, identifying patients in need of treatment and preventing HCV transmission may also be a matter of concern. Recently published studies suggest that a combination of paritaprevir/ ritonavir/ombitasvir and dasabuvir, elbasvir/grazoprevir, or glecaprevir/pibrentasvir successfully treats HCV infection in chronic kidney disease stage 4 or 5 patients with or without hemodialysis.

Project HELP: a study protocol to pilot test a shared decision-making tool about treatment options for patients with hepatitis C and chronic kidney disease

BACKGROUND

Recent advances in treatment have given patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) access to safer and more effective medications to treat comorbid hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Given the variety and complexity of treatment options that depend on patients' clinical characteristics and personal preferences, education and decision support are needed to prepare patients better to discuss treatment options with their clinicians.

METHODS

Drawing on International Patient Decision Aids Standards guidelines, literature reviews, and guidance from a diverse expert advisory group of nephrologists, hepatologists, and patients, we will develop and test a HCV and CKD decision support tool. Named Project HELP (Helping Empower Liver and kidney Patients), this tool will support patients with HCV and CKD during decisions about whether, when, and how to treat each illness. The tool will (1) explain information using plain language and graphics; (2) provide a step-by-step process for thinking about treating HCV and CKD; (3) tailor relevant information to each user by asking about the individual's stage of CKD, stage of fibrosis, prior treatment, and comorbidities; (4) assess user knowledge and values for treatment choices; and (5) help individuals use and consider information appropriate to their values and needs to discuss with a clinician. A pilot study including 70 individuals will evaluate the tool's efficacy, usability, and likelihood of using it in clinical practice. Eligibility criteria will include individuals who understand and read English, who are at least 18 years old, have a diagnosis of HCV (any genotype) and CKD (any stage), and are considering treatment options.

DISCUSSION

This study can identify particular characteristics of individuals or groups that might experience challenges initiating treatment for HCV in the CKD population. This tool could provide a resource to facilitate patient-clinician discussions regarding HCV and CKD treatment options.

Epidemiology of hepatitis C virus among hemodialysis patients in the Middle East and North Africa: systematic syntheses, meta-analyses, and meta-regressions

We aimed to investigate hepatitis C virus (HCV) epidemiology among hemodialysis (HD) patients in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Our data source was an HCV biological measures database populated through systematic literature searches. Descriptive epidemiologic syntheses, effects meta-analyses and meta-regressions, and genotype analyses were conducted. We analyzed 289 studies, including 106 463 HD patients. HCV incidence ranged between 0 and 100% as seroconversion risk, and between 0 and 14·7 per 1000 person-years as incidence rate. The regional pooled mean estimate was 29·2% (95% CI: 25·6–32·8%) for HCV antibody positive prevalence and 63·0% (95% CI: 55·4–70·3%) for the viremic rate. Region within MENA, country income group, and year of data collection were associated with HCV prevalence; year of data collection adjusted odds ratio was 0·92 (95% CI: 0·90–0·95). Genotype diversity varied across countries with four genotypes documented regionally: genotype 1 (39·3%), genotype 2 (5·7%), genotype 3 (29·6%), and genotype 4 (25·4%). Our findings showed that one-third of HD patients are HCV antibody positive and one-fifth are chronic carriers and can transmit the infection. However, HCV prevalence is declining. In context of growing HD patient population and increasing HCV treatment availability, it is critical to improve standards of infection control in dialysis and expand treatment coverage.

Opportunities for treatment of the hepatitis C virus-infected patient with chronic kidney disease

The prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection amongst patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease exceeds that of the general population. In addition to predisposing to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, infection with HCV has been associated with extra-hepatic complications including CKD, proteinuria, glomerulonephritis, cryoglobulinemia, increased cardiovascular risk, insulin resistance, and lymphoma. With these associated morbidities, infection with HCV is not unexpectedly accompanied by an increase in mortality in the general population as well as in patients with kidney disease. Advances in the understanding of the HCV genome have resulted in the development of direct-acting antiviral agents that can achieve much higher sustained virologic response rates than previous interferon-based protocols. The direct acting antivirals have either primarily hepatic or renal metabolism and excretion pathways. This information is particularly relevant when considering treatment in patients with reduced kidney function. In this context, some of these agents are not recommended for use in patients with a glomerular filtration rate < 30 mL/min per 1.73 m². There are now Food and Drug Administration approved direct acting antiviral agents for the treatment of patients with kidney disease and reduced function. These agents have been demonstrated to be effective with sustained viral response rates comparable to the general population with good safety profiles. A disease that was only recently considered to be very challenging to treat in patients with kidney dysfunction is now curable with these medications.

Transient elastography as a screening tool for liver fibrosis in a large hemodialysis population

Metabolic syndrome, an etiological factor in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is often present in hemodialysis patients. Little is known about the prevalence of, and factors associated with, liver fibrosis in hemodialysis populations. We used transient elastography (TE) to investigate these phenomena. 659 patients treated with chronic hemodialysis were enrolled. We excluded those with excess alcohol intake, liver stiffness measurement (LSM) failure, or unreliable LSM values. LSM ≥8.0 kPa was used as a cutoff suggesting clinically relevant fibrosis. Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) ≥ 232.5 dB/m was used as a cutoff suggesting steatosis. 333 patients (50.5%) had steatosis, 159 (24.1%) had hepatitis B or C, and 149 (22.6%) had LSM ≥8.0 kPa. In multivariable analyses, male gender (OR: 2.16; 95% CI: 1.29–3.63; P = 0.004), overweight body habitus (OR:2.31; 95% CI: 1.35–3.94; P = 0.002), high AST level (OR:1.08; 95% CI: 1.04–1.12; P < 0.001), low albumin level (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.12–0.53; P < 0.001), low creatinine level (OR: 0.89; 95% CI: 0.79–1.00; P = 0.05) and low platelet count (OR: 0.99; 95% CI: 0.99–1.00; P < 0.001) were associated with LSM ≥8.0 kPa. We thus conclude that hemodialysis patients have a high prevalence of NAFLD and clinically relevant fibrosis. NAFLD may be an important determinant of clinically relevant fibrosis in hemodialysis populations.

Epidemiology of cancer in end-stage renal disease dialysis patients: a national cohort study in Taiwan

The incidence and mortality of site-specific cancers in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) on maintenance dialysis have been rarely studied for Asian populations. We tapped Taiwan`s National Health Insurance Research Database to identify and recruit patients starting maintenance dialysis between 1999 and 2004. They were followed from initiation of dialysis until death, discontinuation of dialysis, or the end of 2008. We calculated the survival rate and mortality risk of dialysis patients with cancer. Of 40,833 dialysis patients, 2352 (5.8%) had been newly diagnosed with cancer. Being older, being male, and having chronic liver disease were factors associated with a higher risk for new cancer in ESRD dialysis patients. In men, liver cancer (20.63%) was the most frequent, followed by cancers of the bladder (16.88%) and kidney (11.61%). In women, bladder cancer (25.57%) was the most frequent, followed by cancers of the kidney (16.31%) and breast (11.20%). The 5-year survival rates for kidney and bladder cancer were higher than for other cancers; the survival rates for lung, stomach, and liver cancer were lower. In conclusion, the distribution of site-specific cancer was different between men and women in patients with ESRD on dialysis. More attention should be paid to teaching dialysis patients how to avoid the well-known cancer risks and carcinogens and individualized regular cancer screenings.

Isolation as a strategy for controlling the transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in haemodialysis units

BACKGROUND

The hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection affects about 2% of the world's population and can cause chronic liver infection and persistent long-term sequelae such as cirrhosis and liver cancer.The prevalence of HCV infection among people on haemodialysis is often higher than the general population. The virus is easily transmitted parenterally, and blood transfusions have previously played a significant role in transmission; however, erythropoietin therapy has reduced the need for transfusions, and coupled with improved screening of donated blood, has significantly decreased transmission by transfusion. Although control of hospital-acquired infection has improved with the advent of biosafety measures, stopping HCV transmission in haemodialysis units remains challenging.Isolating people infected with HCV involves physical separation from others to limit direct or indirect transmission and includes a number of strategies during dialysis. The evidence for isolating people infected with HCV during haemodialysis is sparse with some inconsistencies.

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the benefits and harms of isolation of HCV-infected patients during haemodialysis on the transmission of HCV to other patients.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Specialised Register to 26 November 2015 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. We also searched the Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature Database (LILACS) (1982 to 2015), Web of Science Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science (CPCI-S, 1990 to 2015), ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Database (1990 to 2015), and Open Grey (1990 to 2015).

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs and cluster RCTs evaluating the clinical benefits and harms of isolating HCV-infected patients during haemodialysis on the transmission of HCV to other patients. We considered incidence of dialysis-acquired HCV infection, all-cause mortality, and adverse effects associated with isolation as the primary outcomes.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Summary estimates of effect were obtained using a random-effects model, and results were expressed as risk ratios (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (CI) for dichotomous outcomes, and mean difference (MD) or standardised mean difference (SMD) and 95% CI for continuous outcomes.

MAIN RESULTS

Only one study, which included 12 centres was identified: four centres used dedicated haemodialysis machines for HCV-infected patients and eight centres used non-dedicated machines. The total number of patients enrolled was 593. One centre was excluded after randomisation. Random sequence generation was not described and allocation concealment was not performed. Participants and personnel were not blinded and blinding of outcome assessors was not reported. Only 74.5% of the patients were followed for 9 months; and 47.3% were followed for an additional 9 months. The authors only reported one outcome, measuring the difference in the incidence of HCV in both groups. The authors did not consider the exposure time, to determine the adjusted rate of seroconversion risk/patient-year. The study reported that the incidence of HCV infection during the first follow-up period (9 months) was 1.6% in the dedicated group, and 4.7% in the non-dedicated one (446 patients analysed out of 593 randomised; RR 0.34, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.07). During the second follow-up period (18 months) the incidence was 1.3% in the dedicated group and 5.8% in the control (281 patients analysed out of 593 randomised; RR 0.22, 95% CI 0.05 to 1.02). Therefore, we found no differences in terms of the number of participants developing HCV infection when comparing the dedicated group with the usual care. Moreover, the evidence was of very low quality, which means that we have very little confidence in the effect estimate.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

The benefits and harms of isolation of HCV-infected patients during haemodialysis on the transmission of HCV to other patients are uncertain. Evidence from one short-duration cluster-randomised study with a high risk of bias did not find differences in terms of the number of participants developing HCV infection when comparing the use of dedicated haemodialysis machines for HCV infected patients with the use of non-dedicated machines.

Liver cirrhosis leads to poorer survival in patients with end-stage renal disease

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Liver cirrhosis (LC) is an important problem in patients withend-stage renal disease (ESRD). Few studies have investigated the inf luence ofLC on mortality in patients with ESRD. This study investigated the associationbetween LC and mortality among patients with ESRD and compare mortality betweentwo dialysis modalities.

METHODS

Adult patients (≥ 18 years of age) starting dialysis for ESRD were enrolledin the present study from 2000 to 2011. We analyzed 1,069 patients withESRD; of these, 742 patients were undergoing hemodialysis (HD) and 327 patientswere undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD).

RESULTS

The prevalence of LC was 44 of 1,069 patients (4.1%). The cumulative 1-,3-, and 5-year survival rates of noncirrhotic patients were 93%, 83%, and 73%, respectively,whereas the equivalent survival rates of cirrhotic patients were 90%,68%, and 48%, respectively (p = 0.011). After adjustment, LC was an independentrisk factor for death in patients with ESRD. No difference in mortality associatedwith LC was found between the HD and PD subgroups.

CONCLUSIONS

Of the patients with ESRD, cirrhotic patients had poorer survivalthan noncirrhotic patients. Among patients with ESRD and LC, survival of patientsundergoing PD may be comparable with that of patients undergoing HD.

Hepatitis C Genotype Prevalence in Monastir Region, Tunisia: Correlation between 5' Untranslated Region (5'UTR), Non-structural 5B (NS5B), and Core Sequences in HCV Subtyping

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a causative agent of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. It constitutes a major public health around the world. There is no vaccine available against HCV, and current therapies are effective in only small percentage of patients. HCV has wide population-specific genotype variability. Genotype knowledge and viral load assessment are equally important for designing therapeutic strategies. Taking into account that the molecular epidemiology of HCV variants circulating in Tunisia is not yet well elucidated, and that, at present, little is known about the distribution pattern of HCV in Monastir region (Tunisia), we aimed, herein, to evaluate the prevalence of HCV genotypes in Monastir and to identify risk-related factors. For this purpose, 50 anti-HCV antibody-positive cases were diagnosed and subjected to viral RNA extraction, amplification, genotyping, and viral load quantification. Molecular epidemiology was studied by 5' untranslated region (5' UTR) sequencing as compared with the non-structural 5B (NS5B) and core region sequences. Overall concordance between 5' UTR, core, and NS5B sequencing was 100 %. The highest prevalent genotype was 1b (50 %) followed by genotypes 1a (16 %), 4a (12 %), 2a (10 %), 2c (8 %), and 3a (4 %). Interestingly, the subtype 1b had a statistically significant higher viral load than the other genotypes followed by subtype 1a. Based on these data, this study revealed a high prevalence of HCV genotype 1 (subtypes 1b and 1a) compared to other genotypes. A continued monitoring of HCV and knowledge of circulating genotypes could impact on future vaccine formulations.

A Large Outbreak of Hepatitis C Virus Infections in a Hemodialysis Clinic

BACKGROUND In November and December 2012, 6 patients at a hemodialysis clinic were given a diagnosis of new hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. OBJECTIVE To investigate the outbreak to identify risk factors for transmission. METHODS A case patient was defined as a patient who was HCV-antibody negative on clinic admission but subsequently was found to be HCV-antibody positive from January 1, 2008, through April 30, 2013. Patient charts were reviewed to identify and describe case patients. The hypervariable region 1 of HCV from infected patients was tested to assess viral genetic relatedness. Infection control practices were evaluated via observations. A forensic chemiluminescent agent was used to identify blood contamination on environmental surfaces after cleaning. RESULTS Eighteen case patients were identified at the clinic from January 1, 2008, through April 30, 2013, resulting in an estimated 16.7% attack rate. Analysis of HCV quasispecies identified 4 separate clusters of transmission involving 11 case patients. The case patients and previously infected patients in each cluster were treated in neighboring dialysis stations during the same shift, or at the same dialysis station on 2 consecutive shifts. Lapses in infection control were identified. Visible and invisible blood was identified on multiple surfaces at the clinic. CONCLUSIONS Epidemiologic and laboratory data confirmed transmission of HCV among numerous patients at the dialysis clinic over 6 years. Infection control breaches were likely responsible. This outbreak highlights the importance of rigorous adherence to recommended infection control practices in dialysis settings.

Transmission of hepatitis C virus in dialysis units: a systematic review of reports on outbreaks

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) outbreaks among patients on hemodialysis are still an important health concern all over the world.

AIMS

We performed a systematic review of reports on HCV outbreaks within dialysis units of developed and less-developed countries (between 1992 and 2015) to evaluate risk factors and practices associated with patient-to-patient transmission of HCV in this setting.

METHODS

The research was performed using the PubMed Database and the Outbreak Database; studies were selected according to the PRISMA algorithm. Inclusion criteria were established before the papers were retrieved in order to avoid selection biases.

RESULTS

36 papers reported on 45 outbreaks that involved 335 unique patients on maintenance hemodialysis; no fatal cases were detected. Nosocomial transmission of HCV was confirmed by phylogenetic analysis in most (n=31; 69%) reports. Sharing contaminated hemodialysis machines and multidose vials (heparin or saline solution) was suggested responsible for HCV transmission in 8 (18%) and 6 (13%) outbreaks, respectively. Breaches in environmental cleaning and disinfection practices, and failures in medication preparation and administration practices was considered in 29 (65%) outbreaks; however, the exact mechanism of transmission of HCV could not be ascertained in each facility where an outbreak occurred.

CONCLUSIONS

Our systematic review of reports on hepatitis C virus outbreaks shows that, although the full extent of HCV transmission in dialysis units is unknown, outbreaks continue to occur. Full compliance to standard/specific infection control procedures and routine serologic screening for HCV antibody play a pivotal role for preventing the transmission of HCV within hemodialysis units.

Natural evolution of hepatitis C virus infection in hemodialysis Tunisian patients and CTLA-4 SNP's

AIM: To analyze the polymorphisms of CTLA-4 gene involved in the response against hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection.

METHODS: We recruited 500 hemodialysed patients from several hemodialysis centers, all HCV-antibody positive, spread over different regions of Tunisia, as part of a national survey in 2008 conducted in the laboratory of immunology at the Charles Nicolle hospital Tunisia, classified into two groups G1 (PCR+) and G2 (PCR-) according to the presence or absence of viral RNA. Of these patients, 307 were followed prospectively on a viral molecular level over a period from 2002 to 2008, divided into two groups based on the persistence and viral clearance. PCR-RFLP was performed for the analysis of SNPs (+49) A/G and (+6230) G/A CTLA-4 for these 500 patients and 358 healthy controls.

RESULTS: Analysis of clinical and virological characteristics of our cohort suggests a nosocomial infection in our hemodialysed patients with transfusion history as a primary risk factor and a predominance of genotype 1b. The haplotype analysis revealed an increase of frequencies of GG (+49)/(CT60) CTLA-4 in the entire patients group compared to controls (P = 0.0036 and OR = 1.42; 95%CI: 1.12-1.79, respectively). This haplotype is therefore associated with susceptibility to HCV infection.

CONCLUSION: Our study suggests a possible role of CTLA-4 polymorphisms in the outcome of HCV infection in the Tunisian hemodialysed population.

Hepatitis C infection in hemodialysis patients: A review

Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related liver disease is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who is treated with dialysis or kidney transplantation (KT). The survival rate for HCV-infected renal transplant recipients is better than that for HCV-infected hemodialysis patients on transplant waiting lists. Early diagnosis and treatment HCV infection prior to KT prevents complications post-transplantation and reduces mortality. In addition to screening for anti-HCV antibodies and detecting HCV RNA, percutaneous liver biopsy is particularly valuable for assessing the stage of liver damage in HCV-infected patients, because the stage of fibrosis is important determining optimal treatment for HCV. Studies have been demonstrated that with conventional interferon (IFN) monotherapy or pegylated IFN monotherapy are similar efficacy and safety in HCV-infected hemodialysis patients. Sustained viral responses (SVRs) with these monotherapies have ranged approximately 30% to 40%. Limited reports support the use of IFN and ribavirin combination therapy as antiviral treatment for ESRD patients or patients on hemodialysis. Ribavirin can be started at low dose and careful monitoring for side effects. Patients that show SVR after treatment are strong candidates for KT. It is also generally accepted that ESRD patients with decompensated cirrhosis and portal hypertension should be referred to the liver transplant team for consideration of combined liver-KT.

Management of chronic hepatitis C virus infection in patients with end-stage renal disease: a review

Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly prevalent in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients, mainly in those on hemodialysis (HD). The seroprevalence of HCV in developing countries ranges between 7% and 40%. Risk factors for this infection in the CKD population include the number of blood transfusions, duration of end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and prevalence of HCV in HD. Chronic HCV infection in patients with ESRD is associated with an increase in morbidity and mortality in the pre and post kidney transplant periods. The increase in mortality is directly associated with liver complications and an elevated cardiovascular risk in HCV-infected patients on hemodialysis. Antiviral treatment may improve the prognosis of patients with HCV, and standard interferon remains the cornerstone of treatment. Treatment of HCV in patients with CKD is complex, but achieving a sustained viral response may decrease the frequency of complications after transplantation. It appears that HCV-infected patients who remain on maintenance dialysis are at increased risk of death compared with HCV patients undergoing renal transplantation.

Hepatitis C virus infection and risk factors in the general population: a large community-based study in eastern China, 2011-2012

Limited information is available on the prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the general population in China. A community-based epidemiological study was conducted in three counties in eastern China. A total of 149 175 individuals were investigated in 60 communities in three counties in Jiangsu province, eastern China, of whom 1175 subjects [0·79%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·74-0·83] were HCV antibody positive. The prevalence was low in children (0·09%, 95% CI 0·04-0·17), but increased progressively from adolescents (0·20%, 95% CI 0·15-0·28) to adults aged ⩾21 years (95% CI 0·15-1·64). Women had a higher prevalence of HCV infection than men in most age groups. In a multilevel regression analysis, age, sex, education, occupation, blood transfusion [odds ratio (OR) 2·91, 95% CI 1·09-5·37], invasive testing (OR 1·28, 95% CI 1·14-1·61), and dental therapy (OR 2·27, 95% CI 1·41-3·42) were associated with HCV infection. In conclusion, although the prevalence of HCV in this population was lower than reported from national levels, the total reservoir of infection is significant and warrants public health measures, such as health education to limit the magnitude of the problem.

Health care-associated hepatitis C virus infection

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne pathogen that has a worldwide distribution and infects millions of people. Care-associated HCV infections represented a huge part of hepatitis C burden in the past via contaminated blood and unsafe injections and continue to be a serious problem of public health. The present review proposes a panorama of health care-associated HCV infections via the three mode of contamination that have been identified: (1) infected patient to non-infected patient; (2) infected patient to non-infected health care worker (HCW); and (3) infected HCW to non infected patient. For each condition, the circumstances of contamination are described together with the means to prevent them. As a whole, the more important risk is represented by unsafe practices regarding injections, notably with the improper use of multidose vials used for multiple patients. The questions of occupational exposures and infected HCWs are also discussed. In terms of prevention and surveillance, the main arm for combating care-associated HCV infections is the implementation of standard precautions in all the fields of cares, with training programs and audits to verify their good application. HCWs must be sensitized to the risk of blood-borne pathogens, notably by the use of safety devices for injections and good hygiene practices in the operating theatre and in all the invasive procedures. The providers performing exposed-prone procedures must monitor their HCV serology regularly in order to detect early any primary infection and to treat it without delay. With the need to stay vigilant because HCV infection is often a hidden risk, it can be hoped that the number of people infected by HCV via health care will decrease very significantly in the next years.

Discrepancy between serological and virological analysis of viral hepatitis in hemodialysis patients

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Viral hepatitis is a health threat for hemodialysis (HD) patients and it may be transmitted during treatment. Some patients categorized to have viral hepatitis were found to be non-viremic. To clarify the discrepancy between the serological tests in HD patients, we conducted the study.

METHODS

A total of 1681 HD patients was included. Blood samples were analyzed for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-hepatitis C antibody (anti-HCV). Detection of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA and hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA were performed in either HBsAg (+) or anti-HCV (+) samples. HBV DNA/HCV RNA was also measured in a subset of HBsAg (-) and anti-HCV (-) patients. Liver function tests were analyzed and compared with the serological and virological tests.

RESULTS

The serological tests showed that 230 patients (13.7%) were HBsAg (+) and 290 (17.3%) were anti-HCV (+). We were unable to detect HBV DNA in 97 of 230 (42.2%) HBsAg (+) patients, and HCV RNA could not be found in 76 of 290 (26.2%) anti-HCV (+) patients. In 167 HBsAg (-) patients, only one showed a trace amount of HBV DNA. None of 151 anti-HCV (-) patients showed detectable HCV RNA. The prevalence rate of viral hepatitis remains high in Taiwanese HD patients: 13.7% for HBV and 17.3% for HCV. However, virological analysis showed 42.2% non-viremic rate for HBsAg and 26.2% non-viremic rate for anti-HCV.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings might challenge the presently suggested principles of bed and machine dedication and the diagnosis of viral hepatitis in HD patients.

Hepatitis C virus screening and management of seroconversions in hemodialysis facilities

Over the past two decades, healthcare-associated exposure has increasingly been proved to be a means of hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmission, especially in hemodialysis facilities. The prevalence of HCV among hemodialysis patients is known to be several times greater than that of the general population of the United States, and chronic HCV infection is associated with significant morbidity and mortality among these patients. During 2008-2011, HCV infection outbreaks were identified in multiple US hemodialysis facilities, resulting in at least 46 new HCV infections among hemodialysis patients. These outbreaks, linked to infection control breaches, also highlight the failure of some facilities to follow established guidelines for routine HCV antibody (anti-HCV) screening and response to new HCV infection among hemodialysis patients. Current national guidelines recommend screening of hemodialysis patients for anti-HCV on facility admission and, for susceptible patients, on a semiannual basis. Here, we seek to underscore the importance of compliance with national recommendations for anti-HCV screening of hemodialysis patients and actions to be taken in the event of possible HCV transmission within a hemodialysis facility. These include general steps to ensure that: hemodialysis patients are routinely screened for anti-HCV to facilitate early detection of new infections; newly infected patients are informed of the change in their HCV status and undergo clinical evaluation; and public health officials are notified of new HCV infections in a timely manner. We then focus on the need to assess infection control practices at the facility, with particular attention given to safe handling of injectable medications, hand hygiene and disinfection practices. In the absence of a vaccine, routine screening and adherence to standard infection control practices will remain the key strategies for preventing HCV transmission in hemodialysis units.

Phylogenetic analysis of isolated HCV strains from tunisian hemodialysis patients

The present study describes the strains of hepatitis C virus (HCV) isolated from Tunisian hemodialysis patients. Thirty-three HCV strains isolated from different dialysis centers in Tunis City were amplified by RT-PCR in a region of the NS5b gene, genotyped by sequencing, and compared to international sequences by phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic tree showed that 16 HCV isolates have been identified as subtype 4k (48.5%), 7 as unspecified HCV-4 subtype (21.2%), 5 as subtype 4a et 1b (each 15.2%). The analysis of this tree revealed that the HCV-1b strains were closely related to Anglo-Saxon and European isolates, while the HCV-4 isolates are genetically similar to Egyptian and African strains. Phylogenic analysis of 33 Tunisian isolates with international HCV strains on a region of the NS5b gene demonstrated that the subtype 4k submerged the Tunis city and a new subtype of HCV4 seems to be suspect in this area.

Compliance of healthcare professionals with safety measures for control of hepatitis viruses in hemodialysis centers: an experience from southeast iran

Introduction. Noncompliance with the recommended infection control measures by the healthcare professionals (HCPs) plays a major role in transmission of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) viruses in hemodialysis (HD) wards. This study aimed to determine the compliance rate of the HCP with safety measures in the HD wards in southeast Iran. Patients and Methods. A total of 208 patients were enrolled. Adherence of HCPs with standard infection control measures was assessed. Results. Sixty-one HCPs with a mean age of 32.4 ± 11.2 years old were responsible for healthcare services. Compliance with the following items was weak: not sharing medications trolley (29.8%), disinfecting the shared instruments (46.2%), using single use materials for many patients (52.4%), carrying used materials in disposable containers (51.9%), not returning of unused materials to the clean room (55.3%), and adherence to hand washing (58.7%). Periodic monitoring for HBV and HCV was performed on 100% and 69.7% of the patients, respectively. Less than 2/3 of HCPs participated in the retraining courses. Conclusion. Compliance of HCPs with safety measures for viral hepatitis prevention was partly inadequate in HD wards. Emphasis on retraining of HCPs and official supervision would be effective steps in the reduction of viral dissemination.

Hepatitis B and C infection in haemodialysis patients in Libya: prevalence, incidence and risk factors

BACKGROUND

Patients receiving maintenance haemodialysis (HD) are at higher risk for acquiring Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infections than the general population. Strict infection control measures are essential to prevent nosocomial transmission. We aimed to investigate the incidence and prevalence of HBV and HCV infection in the HD population of Libya as well as risk factors for infection.

METHODS

All adult patients receiving maintenance HD (n=2382) in Libyan dialysis centres (n=39) were studied between May 2009 and October 2010. Testing for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti-HCV antibodies was performed at initiation of dialysis and every 3-6 months thereafter. Patients who were sero-negative for HBV and HCV (n=1160) were followed up for 1 year to detect sero-conversions.

RESULTS

Participant median age was 49 years and 58% were male. 831 patients (34.9%) were sero-positive for HBV and/or HCV (anti-HCV positive 31.1%; HBsAg positive 2.6%; both positive 1.2%). Of the sero-positive patients 4.7% were known to be infected before the initiation of HD. The prevalence of HBV±HCV infection varied widely between HD centres from 0% to 75.9%. Sero-positive patients were younger, had longer time on dialysis and more previous blood transfusions. Prospective follow-up revealed an incidence of sero-conversion of 7.7% during 1 year (7.1% HCV; 0.6% HBV). Wide variation in rates of newly acquired infections was observed between dialysis centres. All new HBV cases were referred from centres already treating HBV infected patients. New HCV infections were reported in most centres but the rate of HCV sero-conversion varied widely from 1.5% to 31%. Duration of dialysis, history of previous renal transplant and history of receiving HD in another centre in Libya were significantly associated with sero-conversion.

CONCLUSION

Patients on maintenance HD in Libya have a high incidence and prevalence of HCV infection and lower rates of HBV infection. The factors associated with HBV and HCV infection are highly suggestive of nosocomial transmission within HD units. Urgent action is required to improve infection control measures in HD centres and to reduce dependence on blood transfusions for the treatment of anaemia.

Incidence of hepatitis C virus infection in patients on hemodialysis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Hepatitis C virus infection is a perennial concern for hemodialysis units because the prevalence of hepatitis C is significantly higher there than in the general population. Through a systematic review and meta-analysis, we aim to assess the incidence rate of hepatitis C virus infection in hemodialysis units and explore its potential risk factors. Five electronic databases were used to search articles from 1990 to 2012, including PubMed, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Wanfang. A random-effects analysis was used to estimate the overall incidence rate of hepatitis C virus infection. A subgroup analysis and meta-regression analysis were conducted to explore factors associated with heterogeneity between studies. Twenty-two eligible articles were found, including 23 incidence rate estimates. The overall incidence rate of hepatitis C virus infection was 1.47 per 100 patient-years (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14 to 1.80). In the subgroup analysis, the pooled incidence rate was 4.44 (CI 2.65, 6.23) per 100 patient-years in the developing world and 0.99 (CI 0.66, 1.29) per 100 patient-years in the developed world. [Correction added on 2 November 2012, after first online publication: Pooled incidence rate in the developed world has been changed.] In addition, in hemodialysis units with higher prevalence, the incidence rate of hepatitis C virus infection also tended to be higher. Meta-regression analysis showed that the country's development level and initial HCV prevalence combined could explain 67.91% of the observed heterogeneity. The incidence rate of hepatitis C virus infection among patients on hemodialysis was significantly high. Efforts should be taken to control hepatitis C virus infection in hemodialysis units, especially in developing countries.

Long-term survival and predictors for mortality among dialysis patients in an endemic area for chronic liver disease: a national cohort study in Taiwan

Background

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are at a higher risk for chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis (LC) and mortality than the general population. Optimal modalities of renal replacement therapy for ESRD patients with concomitant end-stage liver disease remain controversial. We investigated the long-term outcome for chronic liver disease among dialysis patients in an endemic area.

Methods

Using Taiwan’s National Health Insurance claim data (NHRI-NHIRD-99182), We performed a longitudinal cohort study to investigate the impact of comorbidities on mortality in dialysis patients. We followed up 11293 incident hemodialysis (HD) and 761 peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients from the start of dialysis until the date of death or the end of database period (December 31, 2008). A Cox proportional hazards model was used to identify the risk factors for all-cause mortality.

Results

Patients receiving PD tended to be younger and less likely to have comorbidities than those receiving HD. At the beginning of dialysis, a high prevalence rate (6.16 %) of LC was found. Other than well-known risk factors, LC (hazard ratio [HR] 1.473, 95 % CI: 1.329-1.634) and dementia (HR 1.376, 95 % CI: 1.083-1.750) were also independent predictors of mortality. Hypertension and mortality were inversely associated. Dialysis modality and three individual comorbidities (diabetes mellitus, chronic lung disease, and dementia) interacted significantly on mortality risk.

Conclusions

LC is an important predictor of mortality; however, the effect on mortality was not different between HD and PD patients.

Quality control measures for lowering the seroconversion rate of hemodialysis patients with hepatitis B or C virus

BACKGROUND

Hemodialysis (HD) patients are at high risk of infection by hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV). The present study was designed to determine the impact of quality control measures on the prevention of transmission of blood-borne viruses.

METHODS

A total of 6182 adult maintenance HD patients from all HD units in Zhejiang Province were recruited on January 1, 2007. The baseline demographic and clinical characteristics were recorded and all patients were followed up until death or survival at 4 years later. The Quality Control Standards of Hemodialysis were gradually implemented in HD units. The HBV or HCV seroconversion rates of the recruited patients were calculated and compared every year during the observation period.

RESULTS

The prevalence of HBV was 8.3% at the beginning of the study, and 6.6% for HCV. With the implementation of the HD quality control measures, the HBV seroconversion rate tended to decrease year by year (X2=6.620, P=0.085), and the HCV seroconversion rate decreased significantly (X2=10.41, P=0.015). Compared with the data in 2007, the HBV seroconversion rate (X2=4.204, P=0.040, relative risk ratio 0.393, 95% CI 0.156-0.991) and the HCV seroconversion rate (X2=7.373, P=0.007, relative risk ratio 0.386, 95% CI 0.189-0.787) decreased significantly in 2010.

CONCLUSION

Quality control measures for HD decreased the seroconversion rates of HBV or HCV in HD patients, showing that updated quality control measures reduce the risk for transmission of blood-borne viruses in the HD population.

Outcome of hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with renal dysfunction

OBJECTIVES

There are few reports on the efficacy of hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with renal dysfunction (RD). This study aimed to clarify the validity of hepatectomy for treating HCC in RD patients, and to compare postoperative courses in RD and non-RD patients.

METHODS

The clinical features of 722 HCC patients who underwent curative hepatectomy between 1986 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Seventeen patients (2.4%) with preoperative serum creatinine levels of >2.0 mg/dl were defined as the RD group, and, of these, seven who did not receive preoperative haemodialysis were defined as borderline patients. Clinicopathological characteristics and postoperative outcomes were compared between the RD group (n= 17) and the non-RD group (n= 705). The postoperative courses of borderline patients were reviewed in detail.

RESULTS

Overall survival (P= 0.177) and disease-free survival (P= 0.942) after hepatectomy did not differ significantly between the groups. Incidences of massive ascites (35.3% vs. 14.3%; P= 0.034) and pleural effusion (52.9% vs. 17.6%; P= 0.001), defined as massive effusion (ME), were significantly higher in the RD group than in the non-RD group. Hypoalbuminaemia (≤2.8 g/dl; P= 0.031), heavy blood loss (≥1000 ml; P= 0.012) and intraoperative blood transfusion (P= 0.007) were risk factors for ME. Among the borderline patients, serum creatinine values were not increased immediately after surgery and four patients underwent haemodialysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Preoperative hypoalbuminaemia, heavy blood loss and blood transfusion are independent risk factors for ME in RD patients. Preoperative improvement of anaemia and reduction of blood loss by meticulous surgical techniques may prevent ME in RD patients who require hepatectomy for HCC.

APASL consensus statements and management algorithms for hepatitis C virus infection

The Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver (APASL) convened an international working party on the "APASL Consensus Statements and Management Algorithms for Hepatitis C Virus Infection" in December, 2010, in order to revise "Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver consensus statements on the diagnosis, management and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection (J Gastroenterol Hepatol 22:615-633, 2007)". The working party consisted of expert hepatologists from the Asian-Pacific region gathered at Makuhari, Chiba, Japan on 19 December 2010. New data were presented, discussed and debated to draft a revision. Participants of the consensus meeting assessed the quality of cited studies. Finalized recommendations are presented in this review.

Association of HCV core antigen seropositivity with long-term mortality in patients on regular hemodialysis

Anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody seropositivity is independently associated with poor prognosis in hemodialysis (HD) patients. However, anti-HCV antibody cannot distinguish between patients with active infection and those who have recovered from infection. We therefore aimed in this study to examine the association of HCV core antigen (HCVcAg) seropositivity with mortality in HD patients. We first measured serum HCVcAg using an immunoradiometric assay and anti-HCV antibody in 405 patients on regular HD, and followed them for 104 months. There were 82 patients (20.2%) who had been positive for anti-HCV antibodies; 57 (69.5%) of these were positive for HCVcAg. During the follow-up, 29 patients were excluded, so we tested the association of HCVcAg seropositivity with all-cause, cardiovascular (CV) and non-CV mortalities in 376 patients. A total of 209 patients (55.6%) had expired during the observational period, 92 out of them due to CV causes. After adjusting for comorbid parameters, HCVcAg was independently associated with overall mortality (HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.05–2.47, p < 0.05). HCV infection was significantly related to liver disease-related mortality. Past HCV infection also contributed to CV mortality (HR 2.63, 95% CI 1.27–5.45, p < 0.01). In contrast, anti-HCV antibody and HCVcAg seropositivities did not associate with infectious disease-related and cancer-related (expect for hepatocellular carcinoma) mortality. It follows from these findings that HCVcAg serology is associated with all-cause and CV mortality in HD patients.

Patient and facility safety in hemodialysis: opportunities and strategies to develop a culture of safety

Patient safety is the foundation of high-quality health care. More than 350,000 patients receive dialysis in the United States, and the safety of their care is ultimately the responsibility of the facility medical director. The medical director must establish a culture of safety in the dialysis unit and lead the quality assessment and performance improvement process. Several lines of investigation, including surveys of patients and dialysis professionals, have helped to identify important areas of safety risk in dialysis facilities. Among these are lapses in communication, medication errors, patient falls, errors in machine and membrane preparation, failure to follow established policies, and lapses in infection control. The quality assessment and performance improvement process should include a dedicated safety team to focus on specifically identified areas of risk and to establish outcome goals guided by best practices and agreed-upon measures of success. A safety questionnaire can be given to patients and staff and the responses evaluated to improve understanding of the prevailing attitudes and concerns about safety. By sharing these results, openly acknowledging the challenges, and using a blame-free root cause process to identify action plans, the facility can begin to establish a culture of safety.

Infectious complications in dialysis--epidemiology and outcomes

This Review focuses on the changing epidemiology of infections among patients with end-stage renal disease who are undergoing dialysis. In particular, bloodstream infections related to vascular access in patients undergoing hemodialysis, and peritonitis in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis, are highlighted. Gram-positive (staphylococcal and enterococcal) bloodstream infections and Gram-negative peritonitis (especially extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing organisms) contribute substantially to excess health-care use owing to infection caused by dialysis access. Although the management of peritoneal-dialysis-related peritonitis has been hampered by a dearth of randomized, controlled studies, epidemiological data have provided useful information. To overcome the problem of differing methods used to monitor infections within various dialysis centers, uniform reporting systems for vascular-access-related infection and peritoneal-dialysis-related peritonitis, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis, respectively, are discussed. Infections unrelated to the port of entry for dialysis are also examined, namely hepatitis and respiratory infection. To address the disease burden, we examine the infection-related mortality as well as the implications for subsequent cardiovascular mortality.

Treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in patients on maintenance hemodialysis: a single United Arab Emirates center experience

BACKGROUND

Hepatitis C is prevalent among hemodialysis patients. In patients with normal kidney function, treatment with pegylated interferon and ribavirin can lead to eradication of HCV (hepatitis C virus). But the treatment is more problematic in patients with impaired kidney function, in part due to the altered pharmacokinetics of these medications. Despite recent guidelines, the optimal strategy in this group of patients is not well defined.

METHOD

In a retrospective study, we reviewed all patients with chronic hepatitis C on hemodialysis treated at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, in the United Arab Emirates between 2003 and 2009. The aim of our study was to determine the rate of sustained viral response (SVR) and to establish the safety and rate of dropouts in the different treatment regimens used (patients treated with peginterferon only and patients treated with peginterferon and low dose ribavirin).

RESULTS

22 patients were treated during this period. 5 patients received monotherapy with a reduced dose of peginterferon alfa 2b s.c. once weekly while 17 patients were treated with a combination of reduced dose of peginterferon alfa 2a or 2b s.c. once weekly and a low dose ribavirin (200mg/day). A SVR was achieved in 73% (16/22 patients) of the total patient population and in 76% (13/17 patients) in the sub-group of patients treated with a combination therapy. The tolerability was high. No patients had to discontinue their treatment. The use of ESA (erythropoietin stimulating agents) and G-CSF was common in the combination therapy (94% and 53% respectively).

CONCLUSION

In our study of patients on hemodialysis with chronic hepatitis C, the use of peginterferon or a combination of peginterferon with a low daily dose of ribavirin achieved a high rate of SVR and the rate of dropout was low after pursuing an aggressive management of side effects.

Effect of dialysis modality on survival of hepatitis C-infected ESRF patients

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is associated with increased mortality and morbidity in end-stage renal failure (ESRF) patients. Despite a lower incidence and risk of transmission of HCV infection with peritoneal dialysis (PD), the optimal dialysis modality for HCV-infected ESRF patients is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of dialysis modality on the survival of HCV-infected ESRF patients.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS

The study included all adult incident ESRF patients in Australia and New Zealand who commenced dialysis between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 2008, and were HCV antibody-positive at the time of dialysis commencement. Time to all-cause mortality was compared between hemodialysis (HD) and PD according to modality assignment at day 90, using Cox proportional hazards model analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 424 HCV-infected ESRF patients commenced dialysis during the study period and survived for at least 90 days (PD n = 134; HD n = 290). Mortality rates were comparable between PD and HD in the first year (10.7 versus 13.8 deaths per 100 patient-years, respectively; adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 0.65, 95% CI 0.34 to 1.26) and thereafter (20 versus 15.9 deaths per 100 patient-years, respectively; HR 1.27, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.88).

CONCLUSIONS

The survival of HCV-infected ESRF patients is comparable between PD and HD.

Frequency of HCV infection in renal cell carcinoma patients

Chronic infections with hepatitis C virus (HCV) are frequently pronounced in the etiology of malignancies especially in hepatocellular carcinoma. The association between HCV and risk of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) development has been stated recently. The authors retrospectively evaluated hepatitis serology for HCV and HBV in patients who had RCC diagnosis between 2005 and 2010 in six oncology centers. Control group was also included from the three different published studies that hepatitis serology studied in healthy people that has been living in the same geographic regions. Histologically confirmed 903 RCC cases and 5,267 healthy subjects were included the study. Median age at diagnosis of RCC was 58 (range: 26-89). There was no increase in HCV positivity in RCC patients compared to healthy control group (1.7 vs. 1.5%; P = 0.77). Frequency of HBsAg positivity was 4.4 and 4.1% in RCC and control groups, respectively (P = 0.65). There is no increase in frequency of HCV and HBsAg positivity in RCC patients. HCV positivity in RCC patients were not different from the healthy people.

Decreased prevalence and incidence of HCV markers in haemodialysis units: a multicentric French survey

BACKGROUND

A variety of epidemiological data provide evidence for the nosocomial transmission of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections to haemodialysis patients. We conducted a multicentric study to determine the prevalence and incidence of HCV infection in French haemodialysis units.

METHODS

Patients undergoing chronic haemodialysis in 56 French units (4718 patients) were systematically screened for anti-HCV antibodies using third-generation tests. The incidence was estimated by detecting HCV RNA in seronegative patients using a standardized real-time PCR assay on pooled samples.

RESULTS

Testing for HCV antibodies identified 361 patients with anti-HCV antibodies, giving a prevalence of 7.7%. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that anti-HCV status was linked to the time on haemodialysis, previous kidney transplantation and the presence of anti-HBc antibodies, whereas erythropoietin therapy and carrying out dialysis in dedicated spaces seem to protect against HCV infection. Only two of the 4357 patients without anti-HCV antibodies tested positive for HCV RNA, giving an estimated incidence of 0.05% new HCV infections/year. Molecular analyses indicated that the two patients probably acquired HCV outside the haemodialysis unit.

CONCLUSION

This decreased prevalence and incidence emphasizes the importance of adhering to the recommended universal infection-control precautions. Virological follow-up based on detecting anti-HCV antibodies with sensitive, specific new-generation serological tests could be adequate for dialysis units with few HCV infections. However, new infections in haemodialysis units should be identified by determining the HCV RNA status of seronegative patients. Standardized real-time PCR assays, plus pooling serum samples, make this a promising method for large-scale epidemiological studies.