The prevalence of hepatitis C virus antibodies in patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis

Objective: To assess the prevalence of anti-HCV (hepatitis C virus antibodies) in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients and staff members. Design: Fifty-nine serum samples were collected and tested by an enzyme immunoassay for anti-HCV. Records and past history of blood transfusion and hemodialysis were reviewed. Results were analyzed using the Fisher's exact test. Setting: A medical college-operated teaching hospital. Participants: Fifty-two patients and 7 staff members from the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital CAPD unit were studied. Results: Anti-HCV prevalence in patients and staff were 15.4% and 0%. A history of maintenance hemodialysis was associated with a higher prevalence of anti-HCV (33.3% versus 5.9% without hemodialysis, p=0.015). The prevalence of anti-HCV did not increase with longer CAPD duration. Among those with an episode of hepatitis, higher prevalence of anti-HCV was observed (57.1% versus 8.9% without hepatitis, p=0.0073). Conclusion: HCV is an important agent of hepatitis in CAPD patients. The risk of HCV infection among CAPD staff members is negligible. CAPD offers better control of HCV infection among patients with end-stage renal failure.