Analysis of the Related Factors in Hepatitis C Virus Infection Among Hemophilic Patients in Isfahan, Iran

Patients with hemophilia are at high risk of post-transfusion hepatitis because of widespread use of plasma-derived products. As a consequence, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease among hemophilic patients. The objectives of this study are to determine HCV prevalence, and analyze the effective agents in HCVinfection in hemophilic patients, Methods: All patients with inherited coagulation disorders registered in hemophilia center of Isfahan (553 persons) were checked for HBsAg and anti-HCV, using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Positive tests for antiHCV were confirmed by RT-PCR. Clinical history, laboratory and treatment data of all cases were studied in January 2006. Results: From 465 men and 88 women with inherited coagulation disorders with the mean age of 23.4 (PLUS-MINUS) 12.9 years, 125 patients (22.6%) were HCVpositive, 2 (0.4%) were HBV positive and one (0.2%) was both HCV and HBV positive. Odds ratio between HCVinfection and cryoprecipitate usage was 3 (CI 95%: 2-4.5) and between HCVand factor usage was 0.21 (CI 95%: 0.07-0.7). Conclusions: Considering the high chance of HCV infection after transfusion of cryoprecipitate and, a more careful pretransfusion screening of blood for anti-HCV must be introduced in all blood banks. The usage of FFPless chance of HCV infection, instead of cryoprecipitate in patients who do not have volume restrictions may be preferable.