Hepatitis B virus infection in Thai hemodialysis patients.

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection in chronic hemodialysis patients in Bangkok was surveyed. There were 14.7% (10 out of 68 patients) HBAg carriers; 26.5% (18 out of 68 patients) positive for HBAb. Total exposure rate of HBV (28 out of 68 patients) was 41.2% at the beginning of dialysis. The exposure rate converted to be 50% (34 out of 68 patients) at the time of survey. Five cases with abnormal liver function expired while being on the hemodialysis. Acute viral hepatitis was thought to be the cause. One case of possible non A- non B viral hepatitis was discussed.