Author/Authors :
Hussain, Hamid Khyber Medical College - Community Medicine Department, Pakistan , Iqbal, Rashid Khyber Medical College - Community Medicine Department, Pakistan , Khan, Muhammad Hussain Gomal Medical College, Pakistan , Iftikhar, Bushra Khyber Medical College - Community Medicine Department, Pakistan , Aziz, Sabina Khyber Medical College - Community Medicine Department, Pakistan , Burki, Fayaz Khan Khyber Medical College - Community Medicine Department, Pakistan , sethi, Junaid Khyber Medical College - Community Medicine Department, Pakistan , Hassan, Mumtaz Khyber Medical College - Community Medicine Department, Pakistan , Bin Nisar, Yasir Khyber Medical College - Community Medicine Department, Pakistan , Krishan, Jai Khyber Medical College - Community Medicine Department, Pakistan
Abstract :
fusions in thalassaemic children, hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV infection can occur in these patients. Hepatitis C virus infection is common in Pakistan. Multiple transfused patients represent a major risk group for hepatitis C acquirement. The aim of this study was to know the prevalence of hepatitis C in beta thalassaemia major children in our set up. Material Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 2 years duration from January 2002 to December 2003, conducted at Children Hospital, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad and Fatmid Foundation Peshawar. Children age 3 months to 12 years, with beta thalassaemia having regular blood transfusions at these two centers were enrolled. Complete history and physical examination was carried out in all the patients and blood samples collected for hepatitis C virus. The laboratory technique for analysis was simple manual method, confirmed by ELISA. Results: During the study period, 180 beta thalasssemia major children were enrolled at the two sites. Out of these, 75 (41.7%) children were hepatitis C positive. Conclusion: HCV infection is an important cause of viral infection among thalassaemic children with a prevalence of 41.7% in our study population..
