[Infections with hepatitis B virus in hemodialysis units of Wielkopolska]

Abstract

Objective: Epidemiological analysis of HBV infections in dialysis units of Wielkopolska.

Methods: Studies were carried out in 19 dialysis units, in which patients were treated with intermittent hemodialysis (IHD). Data were collected from 18.04.2007 to 18.06.2007.

Main observations: There were 39 persons with HBsAg(+) among 1140 patients (3.42%). Positive results of HBcAb were shown in 114 from 349 examined patients with HBsAg(-) (32.7%). The group with HBsAg(+) consisted of 7 women (17.9%) and 32 men (82.1%). Documented duration of HBV infection was 9.7 +/- 6.0 years. Eight patients before detection of HBsAg(+) were vaccinated against hepatitis B; 21 patients (53.8%) underwent surgical interventions or invasive diagnostic procedures. Transfusions of blood or blood-related products were documented in 17 cases (43.6%). HBV infection in at least 32 patients (82.1%) was not connected with IHD treatment (p = 0.000). Four patients (10.3%) showed symptoms of acute hepatitis. Eleven patients (28.2%) with HBsAg(+) had renal transplantation. Patients with HBsAg(-) were vaccinated against hepatitis B. Vaccination was not effective (level of HBsAb < 10 IU/l) in 244 patients (22.2%).

Conclusions: HBV infection in patients with chronic kidney disease is most frequently detected before or due to initiation of IHD treatment. Over 20% IHD patients remains susceptible for HBV infection despite vaccination against hepatitis B.