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[Analysis of factors affecting hepatic dysfunction during group health checks for local inhabitants]
H Shinzawa1, M Kuboki, H Togashi
12nd Department of Internal Medicine, Yamagata University School of Medicine.
Insights
A study in K town found a high incidence of hepatic dysfunction, particularly linked to Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection. Alcohol consumption and blood transfusions were also contributing factors to liver disease in this population.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Context:
- Health checks under the Geriatric Health Law revealed a high prevalence of hepatic dysfunction in K town.
- A significant portion of the town's adult population (78.5%) participated in the 1989 health screenings.
- Hepatic dysfunction was defined by elevated levels of GOT (≥41 IU/l) or GPT (≥39 IU/l).
Purpose:
- To investigate the factors contributing to the high incidence of hepatic dysfunction observed in K town inhabitants.
- To determine the relative influence of alcohol consumption, blood transfusions, and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection on liver health.
- To explore regional variations in hepatic dysfunction rates within the town.
Summary:
- Hepatic dysfunction was detected in 9.8% (418/4491) of participants, with higher rates in males and individuals younger than 50.
- A history of alcohol consumption (29%) and blood transfusion (10%) was significantly more common in those with hepatic dysfunction.
- Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection, indicated by anti-HCV antibody positivity (36.1%), emerged as the most significant factor, alongside regional variations in HCV prevalence.
Impact:
- Identifies key risk factors for hepatic dysfunction in the K town population, emphasizing the critical role of HCV infection.
- Provides data for targeted public health interventions to reduce liver disease burden in the community.
- Highlights the need for further investigation into regional disparities in HCV prevalence and their impact on liver health.
Abstract:
During health checks within the framework of the Geriatric Health Law, hepatic dysfunction was detected at a high incidence in inhabitants of K town. The factors affecting hepatic dysfunction in these cases were explored. The number of inhabitants who received health checks in 1989 in this town was 4,491 (78.5% of all inhabitants aged over 35 years). A diagnosis of hepatic dysfunction was made if GOT was equal to or higher than 41 IU/l or GPT was equal to or higher than 39 IU/l. On this basis, hepatic dysfunction was detected in 418 inhabitants (9.8%). The incidence of hepatic dysfunction was higher in males than in females. Inhabitants younger than 50 years had a higher incidence than those 50 years or older. The percentage of inhabitants with either a history of alcohol consumption or of receiving blood transfusion was significantly higher for inhabitants with hepatic dysfunction (29% and 10%, respectively) than for healthy inhabitants (10% and 3%, respectively). HBs antigen and anti HCV antibody positive rates for inhabitants with hepatic dysfunction were 3.3% and 36.1% respectively. These results suggest that the relatively high rate of hepatic dysfunction in this town is related to alcohol consumption, blood transfusion and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Of these three factors, the influence of HCV infection seemed to be the most influential. The study additionally disclosed variations in the incidence of hepatic dysfunction among the different regions of the town probably related to regional differences in the anti-HCV antibody positive rate.