Impact of hepatitis C in mortality in patients on hemodialysis.

OBJECTIVE Cardiovascular diseases are the most important causes of mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease. However, viral infections (hepatitis B and C) have acquired great importance for patients undergoing hemodialysis, because they affect patients' survival and increase morbidity and mortality. This study aimed at assessing the influence of hepatitis C on the mortality of patients undergoing hemodialysis. METHODS This is a non-concurrent cohort study during a period of ten years. RESULTS Each cohort comprised 74 patients. Hepatitis C did not increase the risk of death, and the survival of infected patients was better than that of patients without hepatitis C. The one-year and five-year survivals of non-infected patients were 93.9% and 52.3%, respectively, while those of noninfected patients were 95.5% and 73.1%, respectively (Cox-Mantel log-rank, p = 0.02). CONCLUSION No increase in mortality risk was observed. Hepatitis C did not correlate with an increase in mortality in patients with end-stage renal disease undergoing hemodialysis.