Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common among persons with hemophilia (PWH). PWH having unknown HCV status are rarely studied. We want to assess the impact of HCV infection on health outcomes among PWH in New York State (NYS). METHODS: From January 1, 1993, to December 31, 1997, a cohort of PWH was enrolled into a population-based study in NYS. Medical record reviews were performed annually to collect information. HCV infection status was grouped into four categories according to HCV antibody test results and risk profiles for HCV infection: Yes, No, Unknown-high risk for HCV infection (e.g., high demand of blood product usage and age), and Unknown-low risk for HCV infection. Health outcomes included death, hospitalization for infection and liver disease. RESULTS: A total of 1360 PWH were followed for a median of 5 years. HCV prevalence was 62% among PWH having documented HCV tests. Liver disease was the fourth leading cause of death. Compared with those without HCV infection, HCV unknown-high risk PWH had an increased risk of death with rate ratio of 2.0 (95% confidence interval: 1.1-4.0). However, persons with HCV infection did not have higher risk of death. HCV infection was associated with hospitalization for infection. Hospitalization for liver disease was slightly increasing over the study period. CONCLUSIONS: HCV infection had an impact on morbidity and mortality for PWH, and liver disease would be increasing with lengthening follow-up time. HCV unknown-high risk PWH could have the greatest potential for adverse outcomes, and should be further studied.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant (learner) in this session will be able to: 1. describe hepatitis C virus infection status among persons with hemophilia; 2. evaluate health outcomes after hepatitis C virus infection for persons with hemophilia; 3. develop health care strategies for persons with hemophilia.
Keywords: Hepatitis C, Surveillance
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.