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Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction-Based Detection and Quantification of Hepatitis B Virus DNA
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Published on: December 15, 2023

Quality of life and the relevant factors in patients with chronic hepatitis B

Liqin Wang1, Yanqin Wang, Longmei Tang

  • 1Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, Hebei Medical University, Hebei, China.

Hepato-Gastroenterology
|February 14, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) experience reduced health-related quality of life (HRQL). Antiviral treatments and certain genetic factors, like ACE and DRD4 polymorphisms, significantly impact HRQL in CHB patients.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Genetics
  • Quality of Life Research

Background:

  • Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a significant global health concern.
  • Understanding factors affecting health-related quality of life (HRQL) in CHB patients is crucial for comprehensive care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess HRQL in patients diagnosed with CHB.
  • To identify factors, including genetic polymorphisms, that influence HRQL in this population.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study involving 407 inpatients with CHB across three centers.
  • Utilized SF-36 and QLICD-CH questionnaires for HRQL assessment.
  • Analyzed angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) gene polymorphisms.

Main Results:

  • CHB patients exhibited significantly lower HRQL scores across eight SF-36 domains compared to the general population.
  • Antiviral therapy demonstrated improvements in specific HRQL areas.
  • Extraverted personality, social competence, and work ability were protective factors; illness severity, economic status, and liver function abnormalities were risk factors.
  • Specific genotypes of ACE (II) and DRD4 (short repeat sequences) were associated with higher HRQL scores.

Conclusions:

  • CHB patients experience diminished HRQL.
  • Antiviral treatments can positively impact HRQL.
  • HRQL is influenced by a combination of clinical, psychological, social factors, and specific ACE and DRD4 gene polymorphisms.
Abstract

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