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Birth cohort screening for chronic hepatitis during colonoscopy appointments
Dawn M Sears1, Dan C Cohen, Kimberly Ackerman
1Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Scott & White Healthcare, Temple, Texas 76508, USA. dsears@sw.org
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|March 21, 2013
Summary
Routine colonoscopies can effectively screen baby boomers for hepatitis B and C. This approach identifies individuals unaware of their chronic viral infections, enabling timely education, vaccination, and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Gastroenterology
Background:
- Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections disproportionately affect baby boomers (born 1945-1965).
- A significant majority of individuals with chronic hepatitis are unaware of their infection status.
- Routine colonoscopies present an opportunity for targeted viral hepatitis screening.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the acceptance of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and HCV testing during routine colonoscopies in baby boomers.
- To evaluate the efficacy of screening for immunity to hepatitis A virus (HAV) and HBV.
- To identify undiagnosed chronic viral hepatitis infections.
Main Methods:
- A prospective trial involving 500 individuals aged 50-65 undergoing colonoscopy.
- Offered viral hepatitis testing, including HCV antibody and HBsAg tests.
- Collected data on vaccination history, risk factors, and performed HAV/HBV immunity screening.
Main Results:
- 376 individuals (75.2%) accepted testing.
- Four tested positive for HCV antibodies, with one having detectable virus.
- 36% had at least one risk factor for chronic hepatitis; 84% lacked immunity to HAV or HBV.
Conclusions:
- Screening for viral hepatitis during routine colonoscopies is feasible and effective.
- This strategy can identify baby boomers with undiagnosed HBV and HCV infections.
- Identified individuals can benefit from targeted education, vaccination, and therapy.
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