Abstract: 【Abstract】Objective To investigate the association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and coronary artery disease (CAD) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients.  Methods We did a cross-sectional survey in MHD patients according to the infection control screening data in July 2011. Patients were divided into two groups (HCV positive group, and HCV negative group). The prevalence of CAD was compared between the two groups, and logistic regression analysis was used to find out the possible risk factors.  Results Among 377 MHD patients, HCV positive patients accounted for 9.0% patients, and the prevalence of CAD was 23.9%. The prevalence of CAD was 41.2% in HCV positive group, whereas 22.8% in HCV negative group (P=0.013). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, hemoglobin and low density lipoprotein were associated with increased risk of CAD, indicating that HCV infection was not an independent risk factor for CAD.  Conclusion Our study did not demonstrate HCV infection as a risk factor for CAD. Whether HCV infection predicts CAD needs more prospective evidences.

Key words: Hepatitis C virus infection, Coronary artery disease, Maintenance hemodialysis patient