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Distribution of Liver Disease in Bangladesh: A Cross-country Study
Salimur Rahman1, Mohammad Faroque Ahmed2, Mohammad Jamshed Alam3
1Department of Hepatology, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Insights
This study reveals a varied pattern of liver diseases across Bangladesh, with chronic liver diseases being most common. Acute hepatitis and nonviral infections also represent significant health concerns in the country.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology and Hepatology
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Hepatology is an emerging medical discipline in Bangladesh.
- Understanding the landscape of liver diseases is crucial for public health planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the distribution and patterns of liver diseases across Bangladesh.
- To provide insights into regional variations in liver disease prevalence.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study analyzing data from 59,227 patients across seven administrative divisions.
- Data collected between January 2012 and December 2013.
Main Results:
- Only 13.2% of patients presenting with hepatology complaints were diagnosed with liver diseases; most had functional gastrointestinal disorders.
- Chronic liver diseases (CLDs) constituted the majority (37-69%) of diagnosed liver conditions.
- Acute hepatitis was common (approx. 20%), alongside nonviral infections like liver abscess and biliary ascariasis. CLD complications were less frequent in areas with better healthcare.
Conclusions:
- Liver disease distribution in Bangladesh is heterogeneous, varying significantly by region.
- The findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions for liver diseases.
- This study provides a foundational understanding of the hepatological disease burden in Bangladesh.
Introduction:
'Hepatology', as an independent discipline of medical science, has recently been established in Bangladesh. The aim of this study was to formulate the distribution of pattern of liver diseases in this country.
Materials And Methods:
In this retrospective study, data regarding patients of liver diseases from the seven different administrative divisions of Bangladesh between January 2012 and 2013 were compiled.
Results:
The study included 59,227 patients (age ranged 15-95 years). Majority of the patients were males (67.9%). Although all patients appeared at the department of hepatology, 13.2% were diagnosed with liver diseases, but a vast majority of patients (77.35%) were suffering from nonulcer dyspepsia or irritable bowel syndrome. Patients with liver diseases were mostly suffering from chronic liver diseases (CLDs) (37 -69%). Complication of CLD, like hepatic encephalopathy, was less frequent in regions with better healthcare system. Nonviral infections, like liver abscess and biliary ascarisis, were not uncommon. Acute hepatitis was another very common entity and contributed to approximately 20% cases.
Conclusion:
This study provides insight about heterogeneous distribution pattern of liver diseases in different regions of Bangladesh.How to cite this article: Rahman S, Ahmed MF, Alam MJ, Debnath CR, Hoque MI, Hussain MM, Shamsul Kabir AKM, Karim MF, Khondokar FA, Mahtab MA, Masud MG, Mollick MKU, Moben AL, Noor-E-Alam SM, Podder PK, Raha AK, Rahim MA, Rashid MHO, Zaki KMJ, Akbar SMF. Distribution of Liver Disease in Bangladesh: A Cross-country Study. Euroasian J Hepato-Gastroenterol 2014;4(1):25-30.
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