AIM: To describe the risk profile of patients in hospital with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Poland. METHOD: Using a structured questionnaire, all patients with confirmed HCV infection were interviewed about the risk factors. RESULTS: Among the 250 patients studied, transfusion before 1993 was the primary risk factor in 26%, intravenous drug use setting in 9% and occupational exposure in health-care in 9%. Women were more likely to have a history of occupational exposure or transfusion before 1993 and less likely to undergo minor surgery. Known nosocomial risk factors (transfusion before 1993, dialysis) were responsible for 27% of infections, probable nosocomial factors (transfusions after 1992, minor surgery) for 14% and further 9% were occupationally acquired infections. CONCLUSION: A careful history investigation can identify a known or probable risk factor for HCV acquisition in 59% of patients with HCV infection. Preventive activities in Poland should focus on infection control measures in health-care setting.
AIM: To describe the risk profile of patients in hospital with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Poland. METHOD: Using a structured questionnaire, all patients with confirmed HCV infection were interviewed about the risk factors. RESULTS: Among the 250 patients studied, transfusion before 1993 was the primary risk factor in 26%, intravenous drug use setting in 9% and occupational exposure in health-care in 9%. Women were more likely to have a history of occupational exposure or transfusion before 1993 and less likely to undergo minor surgery. Known nosocomial risk factors (transfusion before 1993, dialysis) were responsible for 27% of infections, probable nosocomial factors (transfusions after 1992, minor surgery) for 14% and further 9% were occupationally acquired infections. CONCLUSION: A careful history investigation can identify a known or probable risk factor for HCV acquisition in 59% of patients with HCV infection. Preventive activities in Poland should focus on infection control measures in health-care setting.
Authors: E L Murphy; S M Bryzman; S A Glynn; D I Ameti; R A Thomson; A E Williams; C C Nass; H E Ownby; G B Schreiber; F Kong; K R Neal; G J Nemo Journal: Hepatology Date: 2000-03 Impact factor: 17.425