Contreras JMS

Language: English
References: 11
Page: 56-57
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Text Extraction

Hemophilia is a condition in which there is a deficit of a coagulation factor. Treatment for this condition consists of administration of the missing or deficient factor by hemotransfusion. According to statistics, more than 80% of hemophiliacs in the USA are infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV). Twenty years ago, transfusion with blood products from multiple donors constituted a major risk for persons with inherited coagulation diseases. Chronic infection with HCV is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in hemophiliacs who undergo multiple transfusions. Furthermore, 30%–50% of hemophiliacs with HCV are coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which accelerates the progression of HCV infection. In hemophiliacs, HIV–HCV coinfection is associated with an increased risk of end-stage liver disease. Progression of liver cirrhosis and development of hepatocarcinoma are reduced by HCV treatment. Increasing numbers of patients with hemophilia and viral hepatitis are dying from hepatocellular carcinoma. The incidence of hepatocarcinoma is 239 per 100,000 HCV-positive hemophiliacs per year.

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