Seroprevalence of hepatitis C virus antibody in transfused children at Kenyatta National Hospital
Abstract
Objective. To determine the seroprevalence of HCV antibody in children with
history of exposure to blood/blood products at KNH.
Study design. A cross sectional survey was carried out in an attempt to describe
the prevalence of HCV antibody in children with history of exposure to
blood/blood products at KNH.
Setting. The general paediatric wards, paediatric oncology ward, haematology
clinic, paediatric filter clinic and paediatric outpatient clinics of KNH.
Study period. June 2001 to August 2001
Study subjects. A total of 90 children were identified from the various study
areas within Kenyatta national hospital as follows, 10 cases (11%) from
hematology clinic, 22 cases (24%) from paediatric oncology ward, 57 cases
(63%) from the general paediatric wards and 1 case (1%) from paediatric filter
clinic. The youngest child was 2 years 1 month old while the oldest child was 12
years old, the median age was six and half years. Blood samples were taken
from the 90 children for screening for HCV antibody using second generation
ELISA method.
Results. Among the 90 children tested for HCV antibody, 25 children (27.8%)
tested positive for anti-HCV.
There was no significant sex difference in the number of study cases who tested
positive for HCV antibody.
We did not demonstrate an increasing trend in HCV positivity with an increase in
the number of exposures to blood/blood products.
Children with history of exposure to blood products (FFP, Platelet concentrates)
did not have an increased risk of testing positive for HCV antibody than those
exposed to whole blood/packed cells.
Conclusions. The prevalence of HCV antibody in children with history of
exposure to blood/blood products at KNH was 27.8% (95% C.I= 18.5 - 37.0).
Citation
Degree Of Master Of Medicine (Paediatrics), University Of Nairobi, 2002Publisher
University of Nairobi