[Strategy for early detection of viral hepatitis in patients with a request for liver biochemistry profile and...

Undiagnosed viral hepatitis is an impediment to the elimination of viral hepatitis. Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG) recommend screening in patients with hypertransaminasemia. The aim of the study was to evaluate the early detection of viral hepatitisB andC established in our health area in this population group.

Prospective observational study over a period of 28months (February 2021-May 2023) of all patients with a request for a liver biochemical profile in whom hypertransaminasemia was detected and who met the inclusion criteria for early detection of viral hepatitis. In these patients, a one-step comprehensive diagnosis of viral hepatitis was performed. A preferential care circuit was established for the selected patients with active infection with a specialist in hepatology for linkage, evaluation and prescription, if appropriate, of antiviral treatment.

Of the 2,058 patients selected, 148 patients (7.2%) tested positive for previously undiagnosed viral infection: 121 for hepatitisB virus (HBV) and 27 for hepatitisC virus (HCV). Of the 11 patients with chronic HBV infection, 10 had active HBV infection, of whom 3 had treatment indications. Of the patients with positive HCV serology, 77.8% were viremic and all were treated with sustained viral response (SVR).

Implementation of this strategy has identified and treated an appreciable number of undiagnosed HBV and HCV infections with impact at the individual and community level.