FREQUENCY OF HEPATITIS B AND C IN ORAL AND MAXILLOFACIAL SURGERY PATIENTS AT ARMED FORCES INSTITUTE OF DENTISTRY

Abstract

Objective: To see the frequency of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) carriers in oral and maxillofacial surgical patients.

Study Design: Descriptive study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at Oral and Maxillofacial surgery department of Armed Forces Institute of Dentistry (AFID), Rawalpindi from June 2006 to July 2007.

Patients and Methods: Patients who were admitted at Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Department during the study period for any kind of maxillofacial surgery were screened before operation for HBV, and HCV.

Results: A total of 842 patients were screened. Eighty percent were males and 20% were females with age ranging from 5-70 years. HBV was positive in 7% patients and HCV was positive in 9% of patients.

Conclusion: The high frequency of HBV and HCV in maxillofacial surgical patients suggests a routine screening for HBsAg and anti-HCV for all patients prior to surgery.