People on dialysis have a higher risk of anemia-related health complications if they have hepatitis C virus (HCV), Renal & Urology News reports. Presenting their findings at Kidney Week 2015 in San Diego, researchers analyzed data from 67,188 people on dialysis participating in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study. A total of 5,378 of these individuals had hep C when starting the study.

After adjusting for various factors, the researchers found that having hep C, compared with being HCV negative, raised the risk of needing a red blood cell transfusion by 41 percent and raised the risk of a hemoglobin level dropping below 8.5 grams per deciliter (the level that defines severe anemia) by 15 percent. People with hep C were also more likely to experience gastrointestinal bleeds.

To read the Renal & Urology News article, click here.