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Published on: December 15, 2023
Epidemiological and clinical features of hepatitis B virus related liver failure in China
Chen Liu1, Yu-Ming Wang, Ke Fan
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400038, China.
Insights
This study analyzed hepatitis B virus (HBV) liver failure in China, finding alcohol and complications impact prognosis. Prothrombin activity (PTA) and complications are key indicators for estimating outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Epidemiology
- Viral Hepatitis Research
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection remains a significant global health concern.
- HBV-related liver failure presents a critical clinical challenge, particularly in endemic regions like China.
- Understanding the demographic and clinical profiles of patients with HBV-related liver failure is crucial for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of HBV-related liver failure in a Chinese patient cohort.
- To identify factors influencing the prognosis of patients suffering from HBV-related liver failure.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study design was employed.
- Data from 1066 patients diagnosed with HBV-related liver failure in Southwest China were analyzed.
- Logistic regression analysis was used to determine prognostic factors.
Main Results:
- The study identified a predominantly male patient population, with young and middle-aged individuals, farmers, and laborers constituting the majority.
- A significant proportion of patients had a family history of HBV-related liver failure and a history of alcohol consumption.
- Key clinical manifestations included hypodynamia, anorexia, and abdominal distension, with altered liver enzymes (ALT, TBIL) observed in many patients.
- Univariate and multifactor logistic regression revealed that alcohol consumption, ascites, hepatorenal syndrome, infection, number of complications, and prothrombin activity (PTA) were significantly associated with patient prognosis.
Conclusions:
- Alcohol consumption negatively influences the condition and prognosis of patients with HBV-related liver failure.
- Prothrombin activity (PTA) and the presence of complications are independent predictors for estimating the prognosis of HBV-related liver failure.
- These findings underscore the importance of considering lifestyle factors and complication burden in managing HBV-related liver failure.
Aim:
To examine the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of hepatitis B virus (HBV) related liver failure in patients in China.
Methods:
This study was conducted with a retrospective design to examine 1066 patients with HBV-related liver failure in the southwest of China.
Results:
There were more male than female patients. Young and middle-aged people comprised most of the patients. Farmers and laborers comprised the largest proportion (63.09%). Han Chinese accounted for 98.12%, while minority ethnic groups only accounted for 0.88% of patients. A total of 43.47% patients had a family history of HBV-related liver failure and 56.66% patients had a history of drinking alcohol. A total of 42.59% patients with HBV-related liver failure had definite causes. With regard to the clinical manifestation of HBV-related liver failure, the symptoms were: hypodynamia, anorexia and abdominal distension. Total bilirubin (TBIL) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were altered in 46.23% of patients with evident damage of the liver. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the patients' prognoses were correlated with ALT, aspartate aminotransferase, albumin, TBIL, prothrombin activity (PTA), and alpha-fetoprotein levels, and drinking alcohol, ascites, hepatorenal syndrome, infection and ≥ 2 complications. Multifactor logistic regression analysis showed that the activity of thrombinogen and the number of complications were related to the prognosis.
Conclusion:
Alcohol influences the patients' prognosis and condition. PTA and complications are independent factors that can be used for estimating the prognosis of HBV-related liver failure.
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