A physician with a positive hepatitis C virus RNA test after a needlestick injury

Christine J. Weegink, Roel E. Sentjens, Jeroen F. van der Heyden, Robert A. Chamuleau, Guido N. Tytgat, Marcel G. Beld

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7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Needlestick accidents continue to be a hazard for healthcare workers. We report the development of acute hepatitis C infection in a physician after needlestick injury. Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-RNA, seroconversion and a raised plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALAT) level were found in plasma three months after the accident. Treatment with interferon alfa and ribavirin was started. While the physician was on treatment, HCV-RNA test results from plasma taken the day treatment was started became available. HCV-RNA was undetectable by quantitative bDNA assay, undetectable by qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and undetectable by transcription mediated amplification (TMA). A dilemma arose at this point: should the patient stop the treatment or continue the planned therapy? The physician decided to continue a 24-week course of treatment. Six months after the end of treatment, the physician was still HCV-RNA-negative and with a normal plasma ALAT level. The rationale of the decision to continue therapy is discussed. This information may be useful for clinicians confronted with a similar dilemma. (C) 2003 Lippincott Williams Wilkins
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1367-1369
JournalEuropean Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Volume15
Issue number12
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2003

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