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Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection
Published on: December 15, 2023
Clinical characteristics and current management of hepatitis B and C in China
Yong-Tao Sun1, Yue-Xin Zhang1, Hong Tang1
1Yong-Tao Sun, Department of Infectious Diseases, Tangdu Hospital, Affiliated to the Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710038, Shaanxi Province, China.
Insights
This study assessed hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) patient management in China. Findings reveal gaps in care, highlighting the need for improved disease monitoring and antiviral treatment strategies for better patient outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Public Health
Background:
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) pose significant global health challenges.
- Effective management is crucial to prevent complications like cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.
- Understanding current patient populations and treatment practices in specific regions is vital for targeted interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the demographic and clinical profile of outpatients infected with HBV and/or HCV in western China.
- To evaluate the current management status and treatment patterns for these patients.
- To identify discrepancies between clinical practice and established guidelines for HBV and HCV infection.
Main Methods:
- A multicenter, cross-sectional study was conducted from August to November 2011 in western China.
- Data were collected from 4010 outpatients (≥18 years) diagnosed with HBV, HCV, or both, via medical records and interviews.
- Evaluations included patient demographics, infection duration, complications, diagnostic data, and antiviral treatment history.
Main Results:
- The study analyzed 4010 patients: 2562 with HBV, 1406 with HCV, and 42 with co-infection.
- Cirrhosis was the most common complication (12.2%).
- 58.2% of HBV patients and 66.6% of HCV patients received antiviral therapy, with nucleos(t)ide analogs for HBV and interferon-based regimens for HCV.
Conclusions:
- Significant gaps exist between current clinical practices and guideline recommendations for HBV and HCV management in China.
- Improvements in disease monitoring and optimization of antiviral regimens are necessary.
- Enhanced disease management strategies are essential to improve health outcomes for patients with chronic HBV and HCV infections.
Aim:
To describe a population of outpatients in China infected by hepatitis B virus (HBV) and/or hepatitis C virus (HCV), and assess their current management status.
Methods:
A multicenter, cross-sectional study of HBV- and/or HCV-infected patients was conducted from August to November, 2011 in western China. Patients ≥ 18 years of age with HBV and/or HCV infections who visited outpatient departments at 10 hospitals were evaluated, whether treated or not. Data were collected on the day of visit from medical records and patient interviews.
Results:
A total 4010 outpatients were analyzed, including 2562 HBV-infected and 1406 HCV-infected and 42 HBV/HCV co-infected patients. The median duration of documented infection was 7.5 years in HBV-infected and 1.8 years in HCV-infected patients. Cirrhosis was the most frequent hepatic complication (12.2%), appearing in one-third of patients within 3 years prior to or at diagnosis. The HCV genotype was determined in only 10% of HCV-infected patients. Biopsy data were only available for 54 patients (1.3%). Antiviral medications had been received by 58.2% of patients with HBV infection and 66.6% with HCV infection. Nucleos(t)ide analogs were the major antiviral medications prescribed for HBV-infected patients (most commonly adefovir dipivoxil and lamivudine). Ribavirin + pegylated interferon was prescribed for two-thirds of HCV-infected patients. In the previous 12 mo, around one-fifth patients had been hospitalized due to HBV or HCV infection.
Conclusion:
This observational, real-life study has identified some gaps between clinical practice and guideline recommendations in China. To achieve better health outcomes, several improvements, such as disease monitoring and optimizing antiviral regimens, should be made to improve disease management.
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