Incidence and treatment of hepatitis C virus infection in children with haemophilia in Poland

In 80% of children with haemophilia treated in our department, screening te sts showed the presence of antibodies against the hepatitis C virus (HCV). HCV RNA was detected in serum in 41% of cases. In 20% of cases there were p eriodic increases in the level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, and in these cases liver biopsy was performed after factor concentrate repl acement. No haemorrhagic complications or pain complaints were reported eit her during the biopsy or immediately afterwards. In all cases histhopatholo gical examination revealed chronic hepatitis type C - chronic mild hepatiti s and chronic minimal hepatitis. Eight boys were treated with interferon (I NF) alpha. In two cases this therapy was successful. No HCV RNA was detecte d in serum and transaminase activity was normal during the year following i nterferon treatment.