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Results of a national epidemiological investigation of HCV infection in dialysis patients
Author(s) -
Lombardi M.,
Cerrai T.,
Geatti S.,
Negroni S.,
Pertusini L.,
Pegoraro M.,
Lullo G.
Publication year - 1999
Publication title -
edtna‐erca journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.381
H-Index - 27
eISSN - 1755-6686
pISSN - 1019-083X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1755-6686.1999.tb00048.x
Subject(s) - epidemiology , medicine , incidence (geometry) , dialysis , family medicine , environmental health , intensive care medicine , optics , physics
Summary The Italian Branch of EDTNA/ERCA organised a national, epidemiological, retrospective study to collect data and implement preventative measures for the spread of HCV infection in dialysis units. A questionnaire was sent to staff in 830 dialysis centres to collect information relating to 1996. Data are presented on incidence/prevalence of HCV infection, antibodies, viraemia and mortality, and comparison of the management of HCV between centres. At variance with the recommendations of the Official Health Organisations, dedicated machines and separate rooms are used in many centres and this paper concludes with recommendations for units, in particular those units with a low prevalence of antiHCV positive patients.