Risk of needle-stick injuries in the transmission of hepatitis C virus in hospital personnel

Hernández, Manuel Cruz; Bruguera, Miguel; Puyuelo, Trinidad; Barrera, J.M.; Tapias, José M. Sánchez; Rodés, Joan

doi:10.1016/s0168-8278(05)80094-7

Cited by 87 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 14 publications

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“…Our study shows that a large-scale screening who did lab work. 43 While Hernandez et al 44 Abbreviations: OR, odds ratio; CI, confidence interval; IV, introvenous; SE, South East. * Number and percentage of patients in each category with hepatitis B.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Performance Characteristics and Results of A Large–Scale Screening Program for Viral Hepatitis and Risk Factors Associated With Exposure to Viral Hepatitis B and C: Results of the National Hepatitis Screening Survey

et al. 1996

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Chronic viral hepatitis frequently goes undetected until cirrhosis develops. Although the effect of interferon on the natural history of hepatitis B virus (HBV) or hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in asymptomatic persons is unknown, treatment may modify the course of the infection, producing cures in some. In September 1992, screening for HBV and HCV was offered in 40 centers throughout the United States. Demographic features, potential risk factors, and symptoms were studied. Blood samples were obtained for the determination of serum alanine aminotransferase levels and for markers of HBV and HCV infection. Thirteen thousand nine hundred ninety seven subjects were screened. The prevalence of infection with HBV or HCV was 24.8% (HBV 17.8%; HCV 7.0%; and both 2.8%). Hepatitis B and C disease was present in 0.7% and 4.4% of the population, respectively. Risk factors for HBV and HCV infection were similar in: blood transfusions, hemodialysis, IV drug use, and sex with an IV drug user. For HBV infection, sex with multiple partners, increasing age, and birth in South East Asia or Africa were additional risk factors. The cost to find a case of HCV infection is less than the costs for finding many other treatable diseases. Screening for HBV, though more costly, is reasonably efficient, and simultaneous screening for HBV and HCV provides greater efficiency. It is practical to consider screening for HBV and HCV in the United States, particularly if any risk factor is present. Improved treatment strategies will make screening even more cost effective.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Performance Characteristics and Results of A Large–Scale Screening Program for Viral Hepatitis and Risk Factors Associated With Exposure to Viral Hepatitis B and C: Results of the National Hepatitis Screening Survey

et al. 1996

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“…41 A number of studies have investigated the risk of transmission following occupational percutaneous injury. These have varied from no cases in a Spanish series of 81 healthcare workers who were followed up for 12 months following exposure to HCV, 42 to 10% in a Japanese series reported by Mitsui and colleagues. 43 Other studies have reported rates between 0.6% and 6.0%.…”

Section: Routes and Risk Of Transmissionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Hepatitis C Virus: An Important Occupational Hazard?

Stevens¹,

Coyle²

2000

Occupational Medicine

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Infection with Heptatis C virus (HCV) is estimated to affect 3% of the world's population and is an important cause of liver disease. It is most commonly transmitted by percutaneous exposure. Although current evidence does not suggest an increased prevalence of HCV infection among healthcare workers, transmission of infection following occupational exposure has been demonstrated. An average transmission rate of 1.8%, following percutaneous injury, has been reported. The risk of transmission is higher from patients with viraemia, as measured by a positive polymerase chain reaction for HCV RNA. After exposure to HCV, healthcare workers should be actively followed up, initially using a test to detect viral RNA. This may faciliate earlier diagnosis and treatment. Recent reports in the UK, of transmission of infection to patients from HCV infected healthcare workers, have prompted a review of the appropriateness of HCV infected individuals undertaking exposure prone procedures.

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“…A case-control study among British blood donors found that having been an HCW was a risk factor for having HCV infection (196). A number of case reports have documented occupational HCV transmission from anti-HCV-positive patients to HCWs in a variety of settings (234,263,268 Follow-up studies of HCWs who sustained percutaneous exposures to blood from anti-HCV-positive patients have found variable rates of HCV transmission (30,140,161,223,247,284). However, the average incidence of anti-HCV seroconversion after needlestick or sharps exposure from a known anti-HCV-positive source patient is 1.8% (range, 0 to 7%) (10,64).…”

Section: Risk Of Hcv Infection Postexposurementioning

confidence: 99%