Prevalence of hepatitis C in children with congenital bleeding disorders in Upper Egypt: a cross‑sectional study

Introduction: Congenital bleeding disorders are a heterogeneous group of hemorrhagic disorders that are mainly treated with blood products. Transfusion caused a large number of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections, until systematic screening of blood supplies was initiated. Patients and methods: This was a cross‑sectional study that included 100 patients with congenital bleeding disorders who received a blood product (at least 3 months before HCV antibody testing) and underwent full clinical evaluation besides the following investigations: full blood count, liver function tests, HCV antibody by enzyme immunoassay, and if enzyme immunoassay was positive, HCV‑PCR was requested. Results: Two patients were positive for anti‑HCV antibodies. HCV‑PCR results for both were also positive. Both patients were in late adolescence (about 18 years). No significant rise of liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase) was noted in any patient of the study group. Conclusion: Methods of screening blood products including (recent use of nucleic acid testing for blood donors) were highly effective in preventing hepatitis C infection.