A dozen kidney patients infected by hepatitis C

A dozen kidney patients infected by hepatitis C at the Institute Nefrológica Santa Tecla Tarragona

Feb. 15, 2010

Based on testimony from patients, which the centre confirmed, the centre told some of the older patients not to worry, since the disease does not develop until after 20 years.
More than a dozen kidney patients have been infected by the hepatitis C at the Institute Nefrológica Santa Tecla in Tarragona

The number is only an estimate as the final number could be more amongst hemodialysis patients, but it will certainly be more than a dozen, said the Adepa president, Carmen Flores, who criticized the "stance" of the institute, at the time to reveal the true figure of the number of infected patients.

The events date back to 3 December 2009 when representatives of the centre met a number of patients infected with the virus at different times, and neglect were reported.
Based on testimony from patients, which the centre confirmed, the centre told some of the older patients not to worry, since the disease does not develop until after 20 years. They also reported the need to take precautions with relatives to avoid any infection through wounds, bleeding, cleaning supplies and personal hygiene, such as razors, towels and underwear.

After the events, one patient, who had been on the waiting list for a transplant four and half years, was rushed to the transplant centre to perform the procedure, but had to be refered to a specialist dialysis centre as he could have the transplant because he was infectioned with hepatitis C. In that case, the hepatologist at Joan XXIII Hospital reviewed the analysis performed in the dialysis centre, and found no traces of the virus. However, half a day later the kidney was transplanted to another patient on the waiting list.

Besides the above mentioned case, the association cited four others, some more serious. The Institute Nefrológica Santa Tecla in Tarragona said that cases have been referred to the Regional Ministry of Health of the Government, which investigates the causes of the infection, and is "following" each case on its course.

http://www.barcelonareporter.com/index.php?/news/comments/a_dozen_kidney_patients_infected_by_hepatitis_c_at_the_institute_nefrologic/1102100422am