A study was undertaken to assess the state of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in hemodialysis patients. From 97 hemodialysis patients tested, 51 were found to have at least one hepatitis B virus specific marker. 18 were HBSAg carriers, 12 of these carriers have to be regarded as infectious as judged from the presence of HBeAg and/or HBV-specific DNA polymerase activity in the serum. Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were found in the sera of approximately 20% of the hemodialysis patients with a high prevalence in cases which lacked HBV markers. We conclude from our study that HBSAg-positive hemodialysis patients should be dialyzed in a separate unit and preferably served by personnel which is anti-HBS-positive. The question whether patients in which anti-HBc represents the only HBV marker should be separated is still open and needs further work. The role of non-A/non-B infection is difficult to determine and further studies are needed to elucidate this question.

Keywords:
Hemodialysis, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis B virus markers, Antinuclear antibodies
This content is only available via PDF.
© 1979 S. Karger AG, Basel
1979
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.