The Relationship of Hepatits B Core Antibody Positivity with Demographic and Laboratory Parameters in Hemodialysis Patients

Aim: The presence of hepatitis B core antibody (HBcAb) is an indication of exposure to hepatitis B virus infection. We aimed to investigate the rates of positive HBcAb and its' association with demographical and laboratory parameters among patients undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: Patients were divided into two groups as HBcAb positive and HBcAb negative. This study was conducted at a training and research hospital over 3 months period between October and December 2020. Demographical data and laboratory results were recruited from most recent medical records. Results: A sum of 237 patients on hemodialysis were enrolled in the study. Fifty nine patients (25%) were HBcAb positive and 178 patients (75%) were HBcAb negative. Statistically significant difference was found between groups in terms of anti-HBs positivity (96.6% vs 79.2%; p=0.002), diabetes mellitus (DM) prevalence (32% vs 19%; p=0.036) and white blood cell count (WBC) levels (7.7 +/- 2.5 x10(3)/mu L vs 7.1 +/- 2.1 x10(3)/mu L; p=0.044). In linear regression analysis (variables: age, HBsAb, WBC and DM) HBcAb was found independently associated with age (t: 3.139; p=0.002), HBsAb (t: 3.998; p<0.001), WBC (t: 2.166; p=0.031) and DM (t: 2.749; p=0.006). Conclusion: We found high rates of positive HBcAb. Positive HBcAb should be taken into account in immune-compromised patients such as dialysis patients.