Investigating Effects of Hepatitis C Virus on Platelet Parameters in Hemodialysis Patients

AIM: In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of hepatitis C virus on platelet parameters in hemodialysis patients.

MATERIALS and METHODS: We included patients who received hemodialysis in Van region in Turkey. Platelet counts, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width and plateletcrit, antiHCV antibodies were measured. Relations between anti-HCV antibodies and platelet parameters were investigated.

RESULTS: We included a total of 142 patients, 76 anti-HCV antibodies positive (30 female, 46 male) and 66 negative (25 female, 41 male). Mean age was 42 ± 16 years in HCV (-) and 44 ± 13 in HCV (+) patients. There were no significant associations between age, gender in two groups. The ratio of thrombocytopenia was 43.6%. Platelet counts was 178 ± 73 000/mm3 in patients with anti-HCV positive and 219 ± 76 000/mm3 in anti-HCV negative. We found statistically significant differences between the two groups (p<0.0001). Moderate thrombocytopenia was seen in 14.7% in anti-HCV(+) patients group and 3% in anti-HCV negative patients. There were negative correlations between anti-HCV (+) and low-platelet counts (Pearson correlation coefficient, r= -0.261, p<0.001). Mean platelet volume was 8.27 ± 1.21 fl in patients with anti-HCV (+) and 7.60 ± 1.10 fl in anti-HCV (-). Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: HCV infection can cause decreasing in platelet counts in hemodialysis patients. MPV increased in hemodialysis patients who were anti-HCV (+).