[Hepatocarcinoma and killer cell activity].

Background: Alterations in natural killer (NK) cell activity have been described in patients with different neoplasms including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nonetheless, the relationship between this activity and the clinical situation of the patients with HCC is not well established.

Methods: A group of 33 patients with hepatic cirrhosis and non treated HCC, a group of 22 patients with only hepatic cirrhosis, and a control group of 31 healthy blood donors were studied.

Evaluation of antibodies to hepatitis C virus in a study of transfusion-associated hepatitis.

Background: The hepatitis C virus (HCV) is now known to be the chief cause of transfusion-associated non-A, non-B hepatitis, but the prevalence of HCV among blood donors and the frequency of transmission by blood transfusion are unknown.

Methods: To assess the sensitivity and specificity of a test for antibody to HCV, we tested serum samples from participants in a large study of transfusion-associated hepatitis. Samples were obtained prospectively from consecutive adults undergoing open-heart surgery in Spain, but were tested retrospectively, after the antibody enzyme immunoassay for anti-HCV became available.