Hepatitis C infection is acquired pre-ESRD.

Background: Hepatitis C is more prevalent in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) than in the general population. Previously, infection from nosocomial sources was an important cause for this increase. In the past decade, the risk from these sources has lessened, but the estimated percentage of patients with ESRD with hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibody (anti-HCV) has not changed. Methods: This is a prospective observational study of hemodialysis patients in 4 urban units in Birmingham, AL. Testing for anti-HCV was performed at the initiation of dialysis therapy and then yearly from August 1998 through August 2004. Race, sex, age, ESRD date, comorbid conditions, and outcomes were recorded. Results: The prevalence of anti-HCV was 16.8% in 860 patients (89% black). Patients new to ESRD had a prevalence of 14.4%. Seroconversion in previously anti-HCV–negative patients was 2.5%. Anti-HCV occurred in black men 3 times more than in black women (odds ratio, 3.3; 95% confidence interval, 2.2 to 5.0). Mean age at ESRD was significantly younger in anti-HCV–positive than HCV-negative patients (47.3 versus 54.1 years; P