A systematic review and meta-analysis involving 634 studies across 392,160 patients revealed a global hepatitis C virus (HCV) prevalence of 24.3% in dialysis populations, significantly higher than in the general population. The Eastern Mediterranean, South-East Asia, and Europe reported the highest regional prevalence rates, with contributing factors including transfusions, inadequate screening, cross-contamination, and operational lapses in dialysis units. Notably, patients with hemodialysis are disproportionately affected, with the use of indirect ELISA as the primary diagnostic method despite limitations in detecting active infections.

The study also found a high HCV case fatality rate of 38.7%, underscoring the virus’s impact on mortality among patients on dialysis. Factors contributing to increased mortality include liver disease, cardiovascular complications, and poor quality of life. Preventive measures, such as infection control protocols, dedicated dialysis machines for patients who are HCV-positive, and improved screening using HCV core antigen or nucleic acid testing, are essential to reduce transmission. The findings highlight the urgent need for targeted strategies to prevent, monitor, and treat HCV in dialysis populations worldwide, with an emphasis on eradicating infections in high-burden regions.

Reference: Kenfack-Momo R, Ngounoue MD, Kenmoe S, et al. Global epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in dialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2024;19(2):e0284169. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284169.