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The Hepatitis C Virus is a viral infection that has been attributed to the development or worsening of Liver Disease and Cardiovascular (Heart) Disease. Hepatitis C is spread by contact with the blood of an infected patient. According to the Wolters Kluwer, Up To Date - Research Journal Website, "Hepatitis C Virus infection is common and associated with significant morbidity (being unhealthful) and mortality (death) among Dialysis patients." Well, a new treatment which will soon be available may offer Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients a cure to this deadly infection.

Many patients do not know that they are constantly exposed to Hepatitis C Virus infection outbreaks due to "breaches in cleaning and disinfection practices, the hand hygiene of facility workers and other factors," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

For instance, the Telegram News reported that between the years 2008 and 2012, the CDC received reports of Hepatitis C Virus outbreaks at Dialysis centers in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Texas, Georgia and California. Fifty (50) known infections were linked directly to the outbreaks as authorities notified more than 1,300 patients for screening. However, Hepatitis C is largely Asymptomatic, which means most people may be infected and not know it until they suffer serious health complications.

What's more, now Kidney Transplant Centers are considering transplanting Hepatitis C Virus infected kidneys into non-infected patients to cut Kidney Transplant List waiting times. Hence, Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients are constantly exposed to the Hepatitis C Virus with very little defense because current Hepatitis C breakthrough drugs have not been approved for Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients.

Now, however, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted the drug manufacturer, Merck & Co., Breakthrough Status for its Grazoprevir/Elbasvir combination medication for treatment of the Hepatitis C Virus in Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis patients. Results are in from the third trial phase and the Large Drug Company released results showing a 99% success rate of its combination "medication cocktail."

These results are very promising for the Chronic Kidney Disease Community and the final regulatory decision is expected in January 2016. Complete the below form if you would like KidneyBuzz.com to keep you informed about this matter. Moreover, help to prevent contracting the Hepatitis C Virus by doing your best to ensure that Medical Staff (including doctors) follow infection control measures such as washing hands and wearing new gloves whenever coming into contact with you.

Also, do not share your tooth brush, razors or other personal care articles that might have infected blood on them and get vaccinated against Hepatitis B to reduce the risk of Hepatitis C. Have you ever noticed a lapse in infection prevention protocol?

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