Aminotransferase activity as a poor predictor of liver disease progression in dialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Lower aminotransferase activity in dialysis patients makes the assessment of the natural history of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection difficult. The aim of the study was to determine the risk factors associated with the aminotransferase activity in dialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C. According to the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) during the follow-up, the patients were divided in the two groups.

Diabetics on dialysis in the Republic of Macedonia: A nationwide epidemiological study.

Background: Incidence increase of diabetes mellitus (DM) has taken epidemic proportions in the world. Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a most serious complication, taking a leading place as a factor in the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Dialysis treatment of these patients is complex, expensive, and exerts an excessive burden on the health budgets of the affected countries.

Long-term follow up of sustained viral response after treatment of hepatitis C with pegylated interferon alpha-2a in hemodialysis patients.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the persistence of sustained viral response after treatment of hepatitis C with pegylated interferon alpha-2a in hemodialysis patients.

Methods: 14 hemodialysis patients with chronic hepatitis C were treated with pegylated interferon alpha-2a for a period of 48 weeks. Achieved sustained viral response rate was 35.

Factors associated with various arterial calcifications in haemodialysis patients.

Background: Haemodialysis (HD) patients are at increased risk of the development of arterial intimal (AIC) and medial calcification (AMC). The aim of our study was to analyze the association between the pre-defined potential risk factors and the status of various arterial calcifications in our HD patients.

Methods: In a cross-sectional study of 150 patients (91 male, mean age 54.

New approaches in the therapy of hepatitis C in dialysis patients.

Patients with renal disease are at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection because of their frequent exposure to blood from transfusions or exposure to HCV-contaminated medical equipment during hemodialysis. The prevalence of anti-HCV antibodies among hemodialysis patients varies between 5-10% in the developed world, and 10-70% in developing countries. Acute hepatitis C is often mild and associated with few, if any symptoms.