Predicting factors of present hepatitis C virus infection among patients positive for the hepatitis C virus antibody

Abstract

Background/AimsTo identify the predicting factors of present hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection among patients with positivity for antibodies to HCV (anti-HCV).MethodsWe analyzed patients who showed positive enzyme immunoassay (EIA) results and performed an HCV RNA test as a confirmatory test at Kyung Hee University Hospital at Gangdong from June 2006 to July 2012. The features distinguishing the groups with positive and negative HCV RNA results were reviewed.ResultsIn total, 490 patients were included. The results of the HCV RNA test were positive and negative in 228 and 262 patients, respectively. The index value of anti-HCV, mean age, platelet counts, total bilirubin, prothrombin time international normalized ratio, albumin and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels differed significantly between the two groups. On multivariable analysis, an index value of anti-HCV >10 [odds ratio (OR)=397.27, P<0.001), ALT >40 IU/L (OR=3.64, P=0.001), and albumin <3.8 g/dL (OR=2.66, P=0.014) were related to present HCV infection.ConclusionsAlthough EIA is not a quantitative test, considering the anti-HCV titer with ALT and albumin levels may be helpful in predicting present of HCV infection.

Investigation of Viremia Rates and Its Correlation With Anti-HCV Levels in Anti-HCV Positive Serum Samples

“…(16) EIA ile anti-HCV'si pozitif olarak bulunan 490 örneğin 228'inde (% 46.5) HCV-RNA pozitifliği belirlerken, 262 hastada (% 53.5) negatif olarak tespit etmiş-lerdir. Araştırmacılar, HCV-RNA pozitif grubun % 99.1'inde, HCV-RNA negatif grubun % 19.1'inde anti-HCV IgG indeks değe-rinin 10'un üzerinde olduğunu tespit etmiş-lerdir.…”

“…Çeşitli çalışmalarda HCV infeksiyonunun tanısında yüksek anti-HCV S/Co değerlerinin prediktif bir veri olabileceği bildirilmesine rağmen, tek başına dikkate alınmaması gerektiği, negatif HCV-RNA durumunda da yüksek S/Co oranlarının görülebildiği bildirilmiştir (13,16) . Çalışmamız-da elde edilen sonuçlara göre, HCV-RNA pozitif örneklerde en düşük anti-HCV düze-yinin 10'nun üzerinde olması, anti-HCV'nin yüksek S/Co oranlarının HCV infeksiyonunu ve viremi varlığını önceden tahmin etmede önemli bir veri olduğunu düşün-dürmektedir Ancak, çalışmamızda anti-HCV S/Co değerleri 20 ve üstü olan 17 örnekte HCV-RNA'nın negatif bulunması, yüksek S/Co değerlerinin HCV infeksiyonunu belirlemede her zaman tek başına yeterli olamayabileceğini de gösterebilir.…”

Estimating the Cost-Effectiveness of One-Time Screening and Treatment for Hepatitis C in Korea

“…The successful identification of HCV positive subjects in South Korea is confirmed through a series of tests, described based upon expert clinical opinion: HCV antibody test, HCV RNA quantitative test and ultrasound. A false positive rate of 53·5% for the initial HCV antibody test was incorporated, but it was assumed that the subsequent HCV RNA test provided a definitive diagnosis [18]. …”

Cost‐effectiveness and health‐related outcomes of screening for hepatitis C in Korean population

“…The assumed acceptance rate of screening was 76.1% based on a report from the Korean National Health Insurance Service (KNHIS) . HCV viremia was estimated to be present in 46.5% of people showing a positive anti‐HCV …”

“…22 HCV viremia was estimated to be present in 46.5% of people showing a positive anti-HCV. 23 Because HCV genotype 1 and 2 are found in over 95% of Korean hepatitis C patients, these 2 genotypes were considered in this study. All the HCV patients would be treated with DAA according to the KNHIS reimbursement policy in 2015.…”