| Theme | Controlling Infections in Dialysis Patients | |
|---|---|---|
| Title | Hepatitis C virus in hemodialysis patients | |
| Publish Date | 2009/01 | |
| Author | Kan Kikuchi | Department of Blood Purification, Kidney Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University |
| Author | Takashi Akiba | Department of Blood Purification, Kidney Center, Tokyo Women's Medical University |
| [ Summary ] | Chronic hepatitis C viral infections are common in hemodialysis patients, with reported high prevalence and incidence rates. Although hemodialysis patients with HCV infection usually present with mild elevations of serum alanine aminotransferase levels, previous studies have shown that these patients harbour higher liver related morbidity and mortality rates, and poor graft retention rates, as well as poor patient survival rates after renal transplantation. We recommend that peginterferon monotherapy be used for hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C infections. | |