Hyderabad : Septic dialysis units may have infected 20% users

HYDERABAD: In a disturbing revelation, a survey suggests 20% of chronic kidney disease patients in the city acquired deadly viral infections such as Hepatitis C and B during the course of dialysis. The report blames the manifestation of viral infections on the lack of safety and aseptic measures.The survey was carried out on 100 chronic kidney disease patients in the city over a period of 30 days by the Helping Hand Foundation (HHF). The survey covered 16 private-and public-run dialysis centres.

“Around 61% of patients did not have any history of diabetes or hypertension prior to onset of the disease, a co-morbid condition which typically predisposes people to renal disease, but 20% acquired infections like Hepatitis C and B.Such infections seriously limit the patients from potential kidney transplants. The cost of treatment for Hepatitis B and C also adds to the existing cost,“ the survey report says.

Patients suffering from chronic kidney disease also complain of having lost their livelihood after the onset of the disease. Of the 100 patients surveyed, 92 said they had stopped working after the onset of the disease as they require dialysis two to three times a week.

“About 45% of patients said they spent Rs 5,000 or more for expenses on travel, medicines and investigations,“ said the survey report.

The survey also highlights shortage of vascular surgeons in the government sector resulting in a high rate of AV fistula failures. An AV fistula is a port access used for hemodialysis. “About 52% of patients complained that the AV fistula failed after being implanted. AV fistula surgeries are required to be done by vascular surgeons, who are best equipped to provide canula access in the veins, but none of the government tertiary hospitals have a dedicated vascular surgery dept for handling nephrologyrelated cases.

“Fistula construction surgeries are mainly being done by urologists in government hospitals. Also the permanent cathertization for hemodialysis (permcath) is not covered under Aarogyasri adding to patients' problems," said Mujtaba Hasan Askari, founder, Helping Hand Foundation.