A recent systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the global prevalence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) among dialysis patients by analyzing data from PubMed, Embase, Global Index Medicus, and Web of Science up until October 2022. The study included 634 papers with a total of 392,160 participants. The overall global prevalence of HCV in dialysis patients was found to be 24.3%, with significant variation depending on region, country, and type of dialysis. The highest prevalence rates were observed in Eastern Europe (48.6%) and Indonesia (63.6%). Hemodialysis patients showed a higher prevalence (25.5%) compared to other types of dialysis.

The study also revealed a high case fatality rate of 38.7% among HCV-infected dialysis patients. The analysis identified several risk factors contributing to the high prevalence of HCV in dialysis units, including immune response failure, inadequate screening, and cross-contamination. To mitigate this risk, the study emphasized the need for stringent infection control measures in hemodialysis units and increased access to HCV diagnosis and treatment.

Reference: Kenfack-Momo R, Ngounoue MD, Kenmoe S, Global epidemiology of hepatitis C virus in dialysis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2024 Feb 8;19(2):e0284169. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0284169. PMID: 38330063; PMCID: PMC10852299.