Transfusion-transmitted infections in hemophilia patients who underwent surgical treatment: a study from a single center in north China.

INTRODUCTION

Transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs) continue to be a major challenge among hemophilia patients. This study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of TTIs including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and syphilis in patients with hemophilia who received surgical treatment due to bone or joint lesions in the Department of Orthopedics.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The present study was conducted from July 1996 to November 2016 in Beijing, China. A total of 189 patients who underwent orthopedic procedures were enrolled. Blood samples were obtained from the patients and were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), hepatitis C virus antibody (HCV Ab) and human immunodeficiency virus antibody (HIV Ab).

RESULTS

Among 189 hemophilia patients included in the study, 54 (28.6%) tested positive for TTI. Seroprevalence for HBsAg was found in 8 (4.2%) cases, HCV Ab in 48 (25.4%) cases, HIV Ab in 2 (1.1%) cases, and syphilis in 1 (0.5%) case. No statistically significant difference in the numbers of patients with positive HCV Ab was seen between hemophilia A (26.0%) and B (20.0%) ( = 0.786). The seroprevalence of HCV Ab (12.1%) in 66 hemophilia patients diagnosed after 1995 was significantly lower than that (32.5%) among hemophilia patients diagnosed before or in 1995 ( = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

Though few patients have become positive for HBsAg and HIV Ab, HCV is still the major virus of concern for hemophiliacs who have undergone orthopedic procedures. Hepatitis B vaccination should be given to the high-risk population including hemophilia patients as soon as possible.