Chronic Hepatitis C in Chronic Hemodialysis Recipients - An Observational Study

This is an observational study of cases of chronic hepatitis C and negative HCV controls in adults receiving chronic hemodialysis at the National Renal Health Center (NRHC) -EsSalud in Lima - Peru.The NRHC provides specialized health care, including hemodialysis, to people with advanced kidney disease from all the districts of Lima. Study population: By December 2017, there were 293 adults receiving chronic hemodialysis at the NRHC-EsSalud. All adult patients receiving chronic hemodialysis at the NRHC-EsSalud will be invited to participate. Primary objective: Characterize HCV disease in patients receiving chronic hemodialysis at the NRHC-EsSalud. Secondary objective: Identify factors associated with an increased risk of HCV infection. Inclusion criteria: Age \> 18 years Receive chronic hemodialysis (for at least 6 consecutive months) at the NRHC. Exclusion criteria: • Inability to provide informed consent. To comply with the primary objective of the study, samples from volunteers with HCV serology confirmed in Roe Clinic Laboratory (cases) will be subjected to additional tests: HCV viral load followed by determination of the HCV genotype by using the Abbott m2000 real-time PCR system capable of identifying genotypes 1 (1a and 1b), 2, 3, 4 , 5 and 6, using fluorescent probes of oligonucleotides specific for each genotype . In addition to these lab tests, volunteers will have a Fibroscan test performed at a local provider, with the Fibroscan Model 402 with E and XL probes. The information will be collected in a Case Report Form (CRF), which will be filled out by study staff. The source of clinical information will be primarily the clinical history of the NRHC - EsSalud. The source of information on the results of the auxiliary tests will be obtained from the results issued by Roe Clinic Laboratory and by the image center of the Delgado Clínic. Protection of Human Subjects: The protocol and informed consent will be reviewed and approved by the Ethics Commit