Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 27, 2025
Author Spotlight: Advancements and Challenges in Hepatitis B Virus Detection
Published on: December 15, 2023
Low eligibility for hepatitis B treatment in the Brazilian public health system
Cristiane Faria Oliveira Scarponi1, Marco Antônio Ferreira Pedrosa2, Marcos Paulo Gomes Mol3
1Fundação Ezequiel Dias, Divisão de Epidemiologia e Controle de Doenças, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brasil.
Insights
Few chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients in Brazil
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Public Health
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) impacts 257 million globally.
- Treatment eligibility in public health systems remains unclear.
- This study assesses CHB patient profiles and antiviral therapy eligibility in Brazil.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the proportion of untreated CHB patients eligible for antiviral therapy.
- To describe the clinical and laboratory characteristics of these patients.
- To evaluate adherence to Brazilian treatment guidelines.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of 670 CHB patient records from Minas Gerais (May 2012-September 2013).
- Evaluation of hepatitis B virus (HBV) management data.
- Assessment of treatment eligibility based on established protocols.
Main Results:
- 461 patients were treatment-naive.
- Only 9.3% of untreated patients met HBV treatment eligibility criteria.
- Periodic monitoring was insufficient, with only three patients receiving it.
Conclusions:
- A small fraction of CHB patients are eligible for antiviral therapy.
- Inadequate pre-treatment management observed in the Brazilian public health system.
- Regular laboratory follow-up is crucial for non-eligible patients to optimize HBV management.
Background:
Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) affects 257 million people worldwide. However, the proportion of patients eligible for treatment in the public health system has not been established. This study describes the clinical and laboratory profiles of untreated CHB patients and estimates the eligibility rate for antiviral therapy in accordance with the Brazilian Clinical Protocol and Therapeutic Guidelines.
Methods:
Records of 670 CHB patients were collected from May 2012 to September 2013 in Minas Gerais. Data from each patient were analyzed by hepatitis B virus (HBV) management.
Results:
461 CHB patients were treatment-naive. Of these, 23 were HBeAg-positive, 352 were HBeAg-negative, and 14 were clinically diagnosed with cirrhosis. Periodic monitoring was performed in only three patients. However, 9.3% of untreated patients met the eligibility criteria for HBV treatment.
Conclusions:
Few CHB patients were active carriers and eligible candidates for antiviral therapy. This study revealed inadequate pre-treatment conduct in the Brazilian public health system, emphasizing the need for regular laboratory follow-up for patients initially not eligible for treatment. Such information may indirectly subsidize the planning and improvement of actions and services related to optimal HBV management in the public sphere.
Related Concept Videos
01:29Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
01:28Pulmonary Tuberculosis V
Latent tuberculosis infection occurs when TB bacteria are present in a person's body, but are not causing illness or symptoms. It is not contagious, and preventive treatment is crucial to avoid the...
01:30Primary Healthcare Services
In 1978, international leaders convened in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan, for what would be a pivotal event in global health. The Alma-Ata Declaration was the first to call...
01:26Methods Of Healthcare Delivery System
Managed Care System:
The managed care system is designed to control the cost while maintaining the quality of care. The patient's care from admission to discharge is planned by the primary care provider or the case manager, also known as the gatekeeper. In a managed care system, the number of care providers is...