Naslov
Modified Range of Alanine Aminotransferase is Insufficient for Screening of Hepatitis C virus infection in Hemodialysis Patients

Autori
Milotić, Irena ; Pavić, Ivica ; Maleta, Ivica ; Trošelj-Vukić, Biserka ; Milotić, Franko

Izvornik
Scandinavian journal of urology and nephrology (0036-5599) 36 (2002), 6; 447-449

Vrsta, podvrsta i kategorija rada
Radovi u časopisima, članak, stručni

Ključne riječi
Alanine Aminotransferase ; Hepatitis C virus infection ; Hemodialysis

Sažetak
Objective : A moderate increase in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) has been reported to be a helpful, low-cost tool for predicting viremia in anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV)-positive hemodialysis (HD) patients. This study focused on evaluating the effectiveness of a lowered normal serum ALT value as a screening method for HCV infection in HD patients. Material and Methods : Serum ALT levels were compared with HCV virologic status in 125 patients on maintenance HD. Results : The prevalence of HCV antibodies was 23%. A total of 3.7% of viremic HD patients did not have a detectable antibody response. Using the conventional upper limit of normal for ALT of 37 IU, there was no significant difference in the frequency of elevated ALT levels between HCV RNA-positive and -negative patients. However, if the upper limit of normal for ALT was lowered to 27 IU, the difference was significant. Nevertheless, 60% of viremic patients still fell within the normal range. Conclusion : Although inexpensive and widely available, the monitoring of serum ALT levels is not useful as a screening method for HCV infection in HD patients.

Izvorni jezik
Engleski

Znanstvena područja
Kliničke medicinske znanosti

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