FREQUENCY OF HEPATITIS C VIRUS IN REPEATEDLY TRANSFUSED THALASSEMIA PATIENTS

Abstract

Background: Thalassemia represents a genetic and blood disorder where patients require lifelong blood transfusions; consequently, their risk for blood-transmitted infections, such as the hepatitis C virus, significantly increases. Even with recent improvements in blood screening and transfusion practices, HCV infection remains a serious problem in the case of patients with thalassemia.

Objective: To determine the frequency of HCV infection in multi-transfused thalassemia major patients.

Study Design: Cross-sectional study.

Methodology: A total of 116 patients aged 2–15 years with thalassemia major who had received more than 10 blood transfusions were included. Hepatitis C screening was done using ELISA for anti-HCV antibodies, and positive cases were confirmed by HCV RNA testing. The prevalence of HCV infection was analyzed using statistical methods such as chi-square tests and Fisher’s exact tests. The significance level was set at p ≤ 0.05.

Results: The study included 116 children with a mean age of 8.28 ± 3.96 years and a mean weight of 24.84 ± 8.97 kg, with 50.9% males and 49.1% females, and 53.4% from rural areas. Hepatitis C virus was detected in 11.2%, more frequently in children ≤10 years, those receiving over 20 transfusions, and with mothers of lower education.

Conclusion: Hepatitis C virus was detected in 11.2% of children, predominantly those aged 10 years or younger, receiving over 20 transfusions, or with mothers of lower education. These findings highlight high-risk groups, emphasizing the value of targeted screening, early intervention, and proactive management to improve pediatric health outcomes.