Antibodies to hepatitic C virus and chronic liver disease among Finnish patients with haemophilia.

Abstract

Antibodies to hepatitis C virus, hepatitis B serology and liver enzymes were examined in 137 Finnish haemophiliac patients to detect signs of chronic viral hepatitis and its possible aetiological associations. The prevalence of raised alanine aminotransferase values was 37%. These were significantly associated with hepatitis C seropositivity but not with hepatitis B antibodies, severity of haemophilia or the type of clotting factor used in replacement therapy. The prevalence of hepatitis C seropositivity was 50%; it was significantly associated with severe haemophilia and with the use of large pool concentrates. The hepatitis C virus seems to be the major cause of chronic liver disease transmitted by clotting factors also in Finland, despite a somewhat lower seroprevalence than described elsewhere so far.

• Authors: F Ebeling, V Rasi, R Naukkarinen, J Leikola
• Journal: Annals of medicine (Ann Med) Vol. 22 Issue 6 Pg. 393-6 (Dec 1990) ISSN: 0785-3890 [Print] England
• PMID: 1963789 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Antibodies, Viral
• Hepatitis B Core Antigens
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
• Factor VIII
• Alanine Transaminase

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Aged
• Alanine Transaminase (analysis)
• Antibodies, Viral (analysis)
• Child
• Child, Preschool
• Chronic Disease
• Factor VIII (administration & dosage, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Finland
• Hemophilia A (complications, drug therapy, enzymology)
• Hepacivirus (immunology)
• Hepatitis B (complications, enzymology)
• Hepatitis B Core Antigens (analysis)
• Hepatitis B Surface Antigens (analysis)
• Hepatitis C (complications, enzymology)
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Middle Aged