HEPATITIS 'B' AND 'C'

Background: Hepatitis B and C is a global problem. The prevalence of hepatitis B and C in orthopedic patients is quite high with the common risk factors: previous history of surgery or blood transfusion. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to, "Find out the prevalence of Hepatitis B and C and their risk factors in patients admitted in Orthopedic Unit of Sheikh Zayed Medical College Hospital Rahim Yar Khan.”. Design & Duration: This was a prospective cohort study. The duration was from July 2009 to December 2009. Patients and Methods: This study was conducted in Orthopedic Department of Sheikh Zayed Medical College Hospital Rahim Yar Khan. Patients of either sex and of all ages who were undergoing orthopedic surgery were included in the study. All patients underwent screening for Hepatitis-B and Hepatitis-C and confirmed by Elisa method in positive patients. Data regarding age, sex, HBV, HCV was noted and analyzed by SPSS version 14. Results: Among 745 patients. 581 (77.98%) were male and 164 (22.02%) were female. Hepatitis B and C was present in 165 (22.15) patients. Out of these positive cases 125 (75.76%) were suffering from hepatitis C and 36 (21.81%) were suffering from hepatitis B, and 4 (2.43%) patients were positive for both HBV & HCV. Among the predisposing factors previous history of surgery was positive in 39 patients; history of blood transfusion in 27 patients, dental procedure was in 17 patients’ and 123 patients having injection therapy in the past. Conclusions: All the patients who need surgery should be properly screened for HBV and HCV. It is also necessary that separate operation theaters and instruments should be used for HBV and HCV positive cases.