Seropositivity Load in Orthopedic Surgery at Tertiary Care Hospitals in North India – An Observational Study

BACKGROUND: Exposure to blood and blood-borne viruses is major concern for orthopedic surgeons and operation theater staff because of constant exposure to sharp instruments and bodily fluids. The objective of this study was to assess the burden of seropositive patients in the orthopedic department of tertiary care hospitals in North India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective study was carried out in author’s institute on indoor patients admitted from January 2015 to December 2017. A total of 8914 patients were included in the study and relevant clinical data were collected for seropositivity of hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in patients admitted in the orthopedic emergency department. These patients were routinely tested for seropositivity before undergoing various surgical procedures. RESULTS: A total of 8914 patients included in the study, out of which 7193 (80.7%) were male and 1721 (19.3%) were female. Out of total patients, 262 (2.9%) were found to be seropositive. Out of these patients, 31 (11.8%) were found to be positive for HIV, 190 (72.5%) for HCV, and 41(15.7%) for HBV. About 35.90% of patients with highest prevalence of seropositivity were truck drivers. CONCLUSION: HIV, HBsAg, and HCV are common in this region with HCV infection being the major concern in Punjab. Screening for viral markers will help in adequate pre-operative planning, timely precautions, and immediate post-exposure prophylaxis in case of contact with blood or body fluids of seropositive patients.