PROFILE OF PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C IN A PUBLIC HEALTH PROGRAM IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Area of Science:

• Hepatology
• Virology
• Public Health

Background:

• Chronic hepatitis C (CHC) is a significant cause of liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, and mortality.
• Understanding patient demographics and viral characteristics is crucial for effective CHC management and public health strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To characterize the demographic, clinical, and virological profile of patients with CHC receiving care within a public health program in Southern Brazil.
• To identify key factors associated with disease progression and inform optimized treatment protocols.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective analysis of 1,431 patient records from a hepatitis C virus treatment center in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil (December 2015 - December 2016).
• Evaluation included patient demographics, hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype, viral load, fibrosis assessment (including liver biopsy), and transplantation history.

Main Results:

• The study identified a predominantly male patient population (56%) with a mean age of 58.6 years.
• Hepatitis C virus genotype 1 was the most frequent (60.5%), associated with higher viral loads. Genotype 3 showed a stronger association with advanced fibrosis (grade 4/cirrhosis).
• A significant proportion of patients (39.6%) had undergone fibrosis evaluation via liver biopsy, with 54.4% presenting with cirrhosis.

Conclusions:

• The study provides a comprehensive profile of CHC patients in a Brazilian public health setting, emphasizing male predominance and a mean age of 59.
• Findings highlight distinct associations between HCV genotypes and disease progression markers, with genotype 1 linked to high viral load and genotype 3 to advanced fibrosis.
• These insights are vital for refining public health interventions and treatment strategies for chronic hepatitis C in the region.