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.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Hepatitis01:25

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver most commonly caused by hepatotropic viruses (A–E), though non-infectious causes such as alcohol and drugs also exist.Hepatitis AHepatitis A virus (HAV) is a non-enveloped RNA virus of the Picornaviridae family. It is primarily transmitted via the fecal-oral route, typically through ingestion of contaminated food or water. After ingestion, HAV enters the bloodstream through the oropharynx or intestinal epithelium and reaches the liver. The...
Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction01:28

Viral Hepatitis I: Introduction

Viral hepatitis is an inflammatory condition of the liver caused by infection with hepatotropic viruses, most commonly hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E. Despite variations in structure and transmission, all viruses mentioned infect hepatocytes and provoke immune responses that can hinder liver function. Additionally, some non-hepatotropic viruses can also lead to hepatic inflammation.Hepatitis A VirusHepatitis A virus (HAV) is transmitted through the fecal–oral route, typically by ingestion of food...
Yellow Fever01:18

Yellow Fever

Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease caused by the yellow fever virus (YFV), a member of the Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted primarily by Aedes and Haemagogus mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa and South America. After transmission through a mosquito bite, the virus initially replicates in skin-resident immune cells such as dendritic cells and macrophages. These cells then migrate to the lymph nodes, where viral replication increases, eventually leading to...
Cirrhosis I: Introduction01:23

Cirrhosis I: Introduction

Cirrhosis is a chronic, irreversible liver disease characterized by the widespread replacement of healthy liver tissue with fibrotic scar tissue and the formation of regenerative nodules.Etiology of cirrhosisCirrhosis results from sustained liver injury that triggers progressive fibrosis and structural remodeling. The underlying causes are diverse, encompassing common and less frequent clinical conditions. Regardless of the origin, all causes lead to chronic inflammation, hepatocyte loss, and...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test01:22

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test

In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess the...
Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow01:26

Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow

Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug binding...