Prevalence of Hepatitis (C) Virus among Thalassemic Children in Sulaymani

Thalassemia, one of the most dangerous diseases, is an inherited impairment of hemoglobin production, in which there is partial or complete failure of the globin chain synthesis.
To evaluate the prevalence of hepatitis C in multi-transfused children with thalassemia major.
From February 2014 to September 2014, 200 patients with thalassemia major were studied retrospectively. Data regarding their age, sex, number of blood transfusions, use of chelating agents, and history of splenectomy were obtained. Serum was used for detection of antibodies against HCV, HBsAg and HIV. In addition, the liver enzymes AST and ALT were checked.
Eighty-eight (44%) patients were found to be HCV seropositive. The prevalence correlated with gender, history of splenectomy, and number of blood transfusions. No significant differences were found between age groups or chelating agents. Liver enzymes were significantly higher in seropositive patients.
Multi-transfused patients with thalassemia have a high risk of HCV infection, and more accurate techniques of blood screening are recommended.