Prevalence of Hepatitis C Infection among Hemodialysis Patients in Karbala

Liver diseases associated with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) significantly contribute to mortality and morbidity in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing dialysis. HCV infection may result in acute or chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and/or hepatocellular cancer. The incidence of hepatitis infections in the dialysis units of Imam Hussein City in Karbala has significantly increased from 2021 to 2023. Aim: Determine the HCV infection burden in hemodialysis patients in Imam Hussein Medical City from 2021-2023 and review the main risk factors associated with HCV infection in those patients. Method: Analytical cross-section study in hemodialysis units (Adel Al-Sabbah and Habeeb bin Mudhaher Al-Asdi centers) in Imam Hussein Medical City, Karbala, Iraq, from 2021 to 2023. These centers offer hemodialysis health services for residents of Karbala. Result: The demographic attributes of 122 hemodialysis patients, both with and without hepatitis C infection, at Imam Hussein Medical City were examined. The prevalence of hepatitis C among patients on dialysis was (10.37%). A significant difference was observed in the occupation distribution between the two groups. Self-employed individuals were more likely to have Hepatitis C infection compared to other occupational groups. The study shows that dialysis in other centers, surgical operations, blood transfusion, and duration of dialysis are statistically significant risk factors for HCV infection. Conclusions: HCV transmission in the hemodialysis unit is multifactorial. Dialysis in other centers, surgical operations, blood transfusion, and duration of dialysis are risk factors for HCV infection.