Frequency of Seropositivity of Hepatits C in Thalasemia Major Patients

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia is inherited as an autosomal recessive disorder. Children suffering from beta thalassemia major, due to various genetic defects, have deficient synthesis of ß globin chain of Hemoglobin. They need frequent blood transfusions, so they are at increased risk of transfusion transmitted infections especially HCV.

Objective: To evaluate frequency of hepatitis C in thalassemia major patients.

Study Design:  Prospective descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at the Thalassemia care Center Nawabshah, Sindh from 1^st January 2011 to 31^st December 2011.

Patients and Methods: Children ages from 3 months to 14 years with Beta thalassemia major were included. Patients were scrutinized for anti HCV antibodies by third generation ELISA technique.

Results:  Total   of   126 patients of   thalassemia major studied   in   this series, 59 (46.82%) were   males and 67 (53.17%)   females. Out of these 18 (14.26%) were hepatitis C positive.

Conclusion: HCV   infection   is   an   important   cause   of   viral   infection   among thalassemic children with a prevalence of 14.26% in our study   population.