Clinical Aspects on an Outbreak of Hepatitis among Personnel in Hemodialysis Units

Abstract

The clinical picture of 83 cases of hepatitis in connection with hemodialysis and kidney transplantation is described. The disease had a characteristic clinical course with a long incubation period (60–100 days) and a long prodromal period (mean 14.3 days). Arthralgia, pruritus, cutaneous manifestations and high temperature were common and generally the maximum levels of thymol turbidity were remarkably high. Administration of more than 12 ml of gamma globulin during the 6 months preceding onset of illness did not prevent the disease or modify its clinical course. Although the clinical course of the disease was not in all respects typical for serum hepatitis epidemiological as well as clinical evidence speak in favour of this diagnosis.