Adverse effects of vitamin D deficiency on outcomes of patients with chronic hepatitis B

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Grace Lai-Hung Wong1, Henry Lik-Yuen Chan1, Hoi-Yun Chan1

  • 1Institute of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Digestive Disease, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.

Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology : the Official Clinical Practice Journal of the American Gastroenterological Association
|December 3, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent in chronic hepatitis B patients and linked to worse health outcomes. Addressing low vitamin D levels may improve long-term prognosis for individuals with CHB.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Immunology
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Vitamin D acts as an immunomodulator, potentially influencing viral hepatitis pathogenesis.
  • Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is a significant global health concern requiring investigation into contributing factors for adverse outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine the association between vitamin D deficiency and long-term clinical outcomes in patients diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B.
  • To determine if low serum vitamin D levels predict the occurrence of major adverse events in CHB patients.

Main Methods:

  • A prospective cohort study involving 426 patients with CHB, with serum 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3) levels measured at baseline.
  • Long-term follow-up (159 ± 46 months) to record clinical events, including hepatocellular carcinoma, cirrhosis complications, and mortality.
  • Statistical analysis to identify independent predictors of adverse outcomes, adjusting for relevant clinical variables.

Main Results:

  • A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (82%) was observed at baseline (mean 25(OH)D3: 24.3 ± 9.4 ng/mL).
  • Patients experiencing clinical events had significantly lower baseline 25(OH)D3 levels compared to those without events (23.2 ± 10.4 vs. 28.2 ± 9.3 ng/mL, P < .001).
  • Vitamin D deficiency was an independent risk factor for adverse clinical events, with an adjusted hazard ratio of 1.90 (P = .04).

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin D deficiency is a common condition among patients with chronic hepatitis B.
  • Low serum vitamin D levels are significantly associated with adverse long-term clinical outcomes in CHB patients.
  • These findings suggest a potential role for vitamin D supplementation in managing CHB patients.
Abstract

Keywords:
HBVHCCHepatic EventLiver CancerMortality

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