The advent of novel, direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens for hepatitis C viral (HCV) infection has revolutionized its treatment by producing a sustained virologic response of more than 95% with few side effects and no comorbidities in the general population. Until recently, ideal DAA regimens have not been available to patients with severe renal impairment and end-stage renal disease because there are limited data on the pharmacokinetics, safety, and efficacy of treatment in this unique population. In a hemodialysis context, identifying patients in need of treatment and preventing HCV transmission may also be a matter of concern. Recently published studies suggest that a combination of paritaprevir/ ritonavir/ombitasvir and dasabuvir, elbasvir/grazoprevir, or glecaprevir/pibrentasir successfully treats HCV infection in chronic kidney disease stage 4 or 5 patients with or without hemodialysis.

Backgrounds/Aims
: To investigate the prevalence and clinical implications of hepatitis G virus (HGV) infection in patients with chronic renal failure, a cross-sectional study of 131 hemodialysis patients and 33 kidney transplantation recipients was conducted. Methods : HGV RNA was amplified by reverse-transcription (RT) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with primers from the 5'-untranslated region of the viral genome. Results : The prevalence of HGV infection in patients with chronic renal failure was 25%(41/164). The following factors were taken into consideration: the mean age(43.15±11.97 years vs 46.46±13.08 years), the male to female ratio(2.15:1 vs 1.86:1), the mean of the dialysis duration(4.58±3.18 years vs 3.90±3.31 years), transfusion history (75.6% vs 62.6%), the mean of the ALT level during the prior 6 months(25.78±21.50 IU/L vs 23.00±59.49 IU/L), and the amount of transfusion(6.22±8.03 units vs 5.74±9.44 units). The anti-HCV(4.88% vs 8.94%) showed no difference between HGV RNA positive and negative group. The HBsAg positive ratio was 19.5% and 5.81% in HGV RNA positive group and negative group, respectively. Conclusion : The prevalence of HGV infection in patients with chronic renal failure was 25%. There was a higher rate of HBsAg positivity in the HGV RNA positive group rather than in the negative group. HGV infection did not seem to be associated with clinically significant hepatitis.(Korean J Hepatol 2000;6:82-90)