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Hepatitis B and C virus infection as risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma in Chinese: a case-control study
1Department of Internal Medicine, Kaoshiung Medical College, Taiwan, Republic of China.
Insights
Hepatitis B and C virus infections are significant risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study confirms their independent roles in HCC development among Chinese in southern Taiwan, highlighting the importance of viral screening.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Oncology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major global health concern.
- Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C virus (HCV) are known risk factors for HCC.
- Understanding the specific contributions of HBV and HCV in different populations is crucial for prevention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if hepatitis B and C virus infections are risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
- To evaluate the independent and combined risks associated with HBV and HCV in HCC development.
- To estimate the population-attributable risk of HCC due to these viral infections in Taiwan.
Main Methods:
- A case-control study involving 150 HCC patients and 150 matched controls.
- Serological testing for antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), and e antigen (HBeAg).
- Univariate and multivariate analyses to assess the association between viral markers and HCC, and population-attributable risk calculation.
Main Results:
- Both anti-HCV and carriage of HBsAg and HBeAg were significantly associated with HCC.
- Multivariate analysis confirmed anti-HCV and HBsAg as independent risk factors for HCC.
- Population-attributable risk estimates were 14.2% for anti-HCV, 59.4% for HBsAg, and 8.0% for both in Taiwan.
Conclusions:
- Hepatitis B and C virus infections are independent risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma.
- These findings are particularly relevant for the Chinese population in southern Taiwan.
- Public health strategies targeting HBV and HCV prevention and treatment are essential for reducing HCC incidence.
Abstract:
To assess whether hepatitis B and C virus infection were risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), antibody to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV), hepatitis B surface antigen and e antigen (HBsAg and HBeAg) were tested in 150 HCC patients. Another 150 case-control pairs matched individually by sex and age were also enrolled. Univariate analysis demonstrated that both the anti-HCV and the carrier status of HBsAg and HBeAg were significantly associated with HCC. Multi-variate analysis revealed that both anti-HCV and HBsAg were risk factors for HCC. The population-attributable risk was estimated as 14.2% for anti-HCV alone, 59.4% for HBsAg alone and 8.0% for both anti-HCV and HBsAg in Taiwan. In conclusion, both hepatitis B and C virus infection are independent risk factors for HCC in Chinese in southern Taiwan.