Rapid Communication
Copyright ©2006 Baishideng Publishing Group Co., Limited. All rights reserved.
World J Gastroenterol. Jan 7, 2006; 12(1): 141-145
Published online Jan 7, 2006. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v12.i1.141
Known and probable risk factors for hepatitis C infection: A case series in north-eastern Poland
Sławomir Chlabicz, Robert Flisiak, Anna Grzeszczuk, Oksana Kovalchuk, Danuta Prokopowicz, Lech Chyczewski
Sławomir Chlabicz, Department of Family Medicine and Community Nursing, Medical University of Białystok, Poland
Robert Flisiak, Anna Grzeszczuk, Danuta Prokopowicz, Department of Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Białystok, Poland
Oksana Kovalchuk, Lech Chyczewski, Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, Medical University of Białystok, Poland
Supported by the grant from the Medical University of Białystok, Poland, No. 3-56876L
Correspondence to: Dr Sławomir Chlabicz, Department of Family Medicine and Community Nursing, Mieszka I 4 B, 15-054 Białystok, Poland. schlabicz@poczta.onet.pl
Telephone: +48-85-7326820 Fax: +48-85-7327848
Received: May 3, 2005
Revised: May 28, 2005
Accepted: June 9, 2005
Published online: January 7, 2006
Abstract

AIM: To describe the risk profile of patients in hospital with hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in Poland.

METHOD: Using a structured questionnaire, all patients with confirmed HCV infection were interviewed about the risk factors.

RESULTS: Among the 250 patients studied, transfusion before 1993 was the primary risk factor in 26%, intravenous drug use setting in 9% and occupational exposure in health-care in 9%. Women were more likely to have a history of occupational exposure or transfusion before 1993 and less likely to undergo minor surgery. Known nosocomial risk factors (transfusion before 1993, dialysis) were responsible for 27% of infections, probable nosocomial factors (transfusions after 1992, minor surgery) for 14% and further 9% were occupationally acquired infections.

CONCLUSION: A careful history investigation can identify a known or probable risk factor for HCV acquisition in 59% of patients with HCV infection. Preventive activities in Poland should focus on infection control measures in health-care setting.

Keywords: Hepatitis C; Risk factors