Distribution and features of infection with hepatitis viruses B and C during hemodialysis treatment

: The prevalence of hepatitides B and C was evaluated in 140 patients treated by hemodialysis. Almost half of patients (48%) had acute hepatitis B which completely resolved. Acute hepatitis B was detected in 6% in the course of observation. In 6% chronic hepatitis B was diagnosed, and in 24% chronic hepatitis C. A combination of hepatitides B and C was diagnosed in 2% patients. Only 12% patients were not infected with hepatitis. Genotype 1b predominated in patients with HCV infection (73%); genotypes 1a, 21, and 3a were equally incident (9%). Replication of HBV and HCV in patients with uremia under conditions of hemodialysis was detected in 83 and 86% patients, respectively. Relationship between HBV and HCV infection and the duration of hemodialysis treatment was analyzed. The percentage of non-infected patients persistently decreased, and the time course of HBV and HCV infection was different. Infection with HBV after the beginning of hemodialysis occurred sooner (16.0 +/- 4.0 months) than with HCV (30.2 +/- 4.6 months, p < 0.04). The levels of SGPT and SGOT in patients with various manifestations of HBV and HCV infection treated by hemodialysis were followed up.