Documented prevalence of HIV and Hepatitis C infection in patientswith penetrating trauma

Abstract

There was a high prevalence of risk factors for HIV and HCV in patients with major penetrating wounds at St Vincent's Hospital. The prevalence of documented HIV and HCV infection was subsequently greater than that expected in the general population, highlighting the risks to health-care workers managing these patients.

Prevalence of HIV infection among trauma patients admitted to Bugando Medical Centre, Mwanza, Tanzania and its influence on Outcome

“…In one study, risk factors for HIV infection were recorded in 21%, and a high prevalence of risk factors for HIV was found in patients with major penetrating wounds (Chambers & Lord, 2001). In a study in the USA, intravenous drug abuse was found to be the single significant predictor for HIV infection among trauma patients (Sloan et al, 1995).…”

“…Trauma health care workers will encounter patients infected 1 with HIV in geographic areas where prevalence is high or in areas where intravenous drug abuse use, high-risk sexual behaviors and penetrating trauma are more common (Kelen et al, 1989). Studies of patients with penetrating trauma in the USA have shown a higher prevalence of HIV infection than the general population (Chambers & Lord, 2001).…”

Current practice in the management of high-risk orthopaedic trauma patients in Scotland

“…15 Previous studies have identified relatively higher rates of HIV and hepatitis C in trauma patients than the general population. 3,5,7 One German study conducted HIV studies on patients with open wounds in the trauma emergency room of a university hospital and found six HIV infections in 220 patients tested, corresponding to a prevalence of 2.7%. 5 Chambers and Lord 3 documented a prevalence of HIV (1.3%) and hepatitis C (5.4%) in penetrating injuries in one hospital in Sydney, Australia.…”