An-Najah Staff

Background Hepatitis B and C virus infection is a lead cause of morbidity and mortality among hemodialysis patients. Yet, little research has focused on the morbidity measures of these serious disorders in low and middle income countries. The study aims to estimate the prevalence of hepatitis B and C among hemodialysis patients in the West Bank hospitals in Palestine. Methods A retrospective medical records review design was performed for all governmental and private hospitals in the West Bank which provide hemodialysis services for the patients. Data was retrieved from the patients’ medical files and from the computerized health information system in some hemodialysis centers. SPSS software version 16 was used for data entry and analysis. Results In overall, 868 hemodialysis patients attending nine hemodialysis hospitals in the West Bank was recruited. The overall prevalence of hepatitis B virus was found to be 3.8 % (33 cases) with a range from 0.0 % (in Jericho and Qalqelia districts) to 11.8 % (in Bethlehem district). Regarding hepatitis C virus, the overall prevalence was estimated around 7.4 % (64 cases) with a range from 2.9 % (in Nablus district) to 15.9 % (in Qalqelia district). Conclusions Although relatively low prevalence of both hepatitis B and C virus was found in a couple of hemodialysis hospitals, some higher prevalence values urge for the implementation of stricter infection prevention measures and more effective follow up procedures.

Objective: To evaluate the effect of hemo­ dialysis on serum total, free and percent free prostate specific antigen (PSA).
Patients and Methods: This study included 34 men with chronic renal failure (mean age 58 years, range 45-80) who received hemodialysis with low flux membranes. We measured pre- and post-hemodialy­ sis total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA) and hematocrit (Hte) at one dialysis session. Additionally, the percent fPSA to tPSA (fit PSA) ratio was calculated before and after dialysis. Htc was measured before and after dialysis to determine the degree of hemoconcentration and the correlation between PSA levels and Htc.
Results: There were statistically significant increments in the mean values of tPSA (pre-dialysis 1.2, post-dialysis 1.4 ng/ml) and f/tPSA ratio (pre-dialysis 28.2%, post­ dialysis 35.2%). In addition, a significant increase in Htc was noted after dialysis. The mean pre-dialysis fPSA was 0.4 and the post-dialysis value was 0.43 ng/ml (difference not statistically significant). The degree of hemoconcentration was not statistically correlated with the elevation in the values of tPSA, fPSA and f/tPSA
Conclusions: Although the increment in tPSA was statistically significant, it was not clinically meaningful. The most likely explanation for the increment in tPSA and fPSA after hemodialysis is volume con­ traction, and hemodialysis with low flux membranes appears to have no effect on PSA clearance. Pre-dialysis determina­ tion of tPSA probably provides no false­ positive results. Therefore, we advocate that serum PSA determination is done in conjunction with digital rectal examination (ORE) and/or transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in patients on dialysis, especially those who are candidates for renal trans­ plantation, to rule out prostate cance

Objective: To evaluate the effect of hemodialysis on serum total, free and percent free prostate specific antigen (PSA).
Patients and Methods: This study included 34 men with chronic renal failure (mean age 58 years, range 45-80) who received hemodialysis with low flux membranes. We measured pre- and post-hemodialy­ sis total PSA (tPSA), free PSA (fPSA) and hematocrit (Hte) at one dialysis session. Additionally, the percent fPSA to tPSA (fit PSA) ratio was calculated before and after dialysis. Htc was measured before and after dialysis to determine the degree of hemoconcentration and the correlation between PSA levels and Htc.
Results: There were statistically significant increments in the mean values of tPSA (pre-dialysis 1.2, post-dialysis 1.4 ng/ml) and f/tPSA ratio (pre-dialysis 28.2%, post­ dialysis 35.2%). In addition, a significant increase in Htc was noted after dialysis. The mean pre-dialysis fPSA was 0.4 and the post-dialysis value was 0.43 ng/ml (difference not statistically significant). The degree of hemoconcentration was not statistically correlated with the elevation in the values of tPSA, fPSA and f/tPSA.
Conclusions: Although the increment in tPSA was statistically significant, it was not clinically meaningful. The most likely explanation for the increment in tPSA and fPSA after hemodialysis is volume con­ traction, and hemodialysis with low flux membranes appears to have no effect on PSA clearance. Pre-dialysis determination of tPSA probably provides no false­ positive results. Therefore, we advocate that serum PSA determination is done in conjunction with digital rectal examination (ORE) and/or transrectal ultrasonography (TRUS) in patients on dialysis, especially those who are candidates for renal Trans plantation, to rule out prostate cancer.