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Tan M, Bhadoria AS, Cui F, Tan A, Van Holten J, Easterbrook P, Ford N, Han Q, Lu Y, Bulterys M, Hutin Y. Estimating the proportion of people with chronic hepatitis B virus infection eligible for hepatitis B antiviral treatment worldwide: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 6:106-119. [PMID: 33197397 PMCID: PMC7801814 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(20)30307-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Revised: 09/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In 2016, of the estimated 257 million people living with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection worldwide, only a small proportion was diagnosed and treated. The insufficiency of information on the proportion of people infected with HBV who are eligible for treatment limits the interpretation of global treatment coverage. We aimed to estimate the proportion of people with chronic HBV infection who were eligible for antiviral treatment worldwide, based on the WHO 2015 guidelines. METHODS In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched Medline, EMBASE, and the Cochrane databases from Jan 1, 2007, to Jan 31, 2018, for studies describing HBsAg-positive people in the population or health-care facilities. We extracted information from published studies using a standardised form to estimate the frequency of cirrhosis, abnormal alanine aminotransferase (ALT), HBV DNA exceeding 2000 IU/mL or 20 000 IU/mL, presence of HBeAg, and eligibility for treatment as per WHO and other guidelines as reported in the studies. We pooled proportions through meta-analysis with random effects. The study was registered with PROSPERO, CRD42020132345. FINDINGS Of the 13 497 studies, 162 were eligible and included in our analysis. These studies included 145 789 participants. The pooled estimate of the proportion of cirrhosis was 9% (95% CI 8-10), ranging from 6% (4-8) in community settings to 10% (9-11) in clinic settings. Examining the proportion of participants who had characteristics used to determine eligibility in the WHO guidelines, 1750 (10·1%) of 17 394 had HBV DNA exceeding 20 000 IU/mL, and 20 425 (30·8%) of 66 235 had ALT above the upper limit of normal. 32 studies reported eligibility for treatment according to WHO or any other guidelines, with a pooled estimate of eligibility at 19% (95% CI 18-20), ranging from 12% (6-18) for studies in community settings to 25% (19-30) in clinic settings. INTERPRETATION Many studies described people with HBV infection, but few reported information in a way that allowed assessment of eligibility for treatment. Although about one in ten of the 257 million people with HBV infection (26 million) might be in urgent need of treatment because of cirrhosis, a larger proportion (12-25%) is eligible for treatment in accordance with different guidelines. Future studies describing people with HBV infection should report on treatment eligibility, according to broadly agreed definitions. FUNDING WHO and US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingjuan Tan
- Department of HIV/AIDS and Global Hepatitis Programme, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland; Department of Medicine, National University Health System, Singapore
| | - Ajeet S Bhadoria
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Fuqiang Cui
- Department of HIV/AIDS and Global Hepatitis Programme, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Judith Van Holten
- Department of HIV/AIDS and Global Hepatitis Programme, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | | | - Nathan Ford
- Department of HIV/AIDS and Global Hepatitis Programme, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Qin Han
- Department of HIV/AIDS and Global Hepatitis Programme, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ying Lu
- Department of HIV/AIDS and Global Hepatitis Programme, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Marc Bulterys
- Department of HIV/AIDS and Global Hepatitis Programme, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Yvan Hutin
- Department of HIV/AIDS and Global Hepatitis Programme, WHO, Geneva, Switzerland.
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Patients with suboptimal hepatitis B virus diagnostic characterization are at risk of liver fibrosis progression. Eur J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2020; 32:426-432. [PMID: 31490418 DOI: 10.1097/meg.0000000000001527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Many patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection remain infradiagnosed and untreated. In a national health system with unrestricted access to treatment, our aims were to assess the level of compliance with clinical guidelines and the characteristics and risk of fibrosis progression in patients with suboptimal diagnosis. METHODS In a cohort of patients with positive hepatitis B surface antigen from January 2011 to December 2013, data were registered to assess characteristics and compliance with guidelines. For assessing the risk of liver fibrosis, positive hepatitis B surface antigen patients from January 2008 to December 2013 were grouped depending on DNA request. Liver fibrosis was estimated by serological scores. RESULTS Of 41 158 subjects with hepatitis B surface antigen request, 351 (0.9%) tested positive, and DNA was not available from 110 patients (66.4% male, mean 42.4 ± 14.5 years) after a median of 25.6 months (range 12.0-43.5). Most of these patients (76%) were assessed by primary care. Half of the patients (47.2%) showed hypertransaminasemia, at least significant fibrosis, or both conditions. After long follow-up (mean 90.1 ± 45.2 months), these patients had a higher risk of achieving at least significant fibrosis during follow-up (log-rank 8.73; P = 0.003). CONCLUSION In more than one-third of patients with positive hepatitis B surface antigen, DNA was not requested despite showing hypertransaminasemia and significant fibrosis. Patients without DNA request are at high risk of liver fibrosis progression. Thus, educational measures and other strategies are necessary, especially targeting primary care, to improve access to treatment.
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Cristina SJL, Marta CM, Mercedes GS, Almudena PM, Álvaro HM, Luis VSJ, Tesifón PC. Characterization and evaluation of liver fibrosis grade in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and normal transaminases. Clin Mol Hepatol 2018; 24:384-391. [PMID: 29969885 PMCID: PMC6313027 DOI: 10.3350/cmh.2018.0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/Aims The objective of our study was to determine the epidemiological, laboratory, and serological characteristics of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and normal transaminases. The study also aimed to evaluate liver damage by measuring the liver fibrosis (LF) grade and to identify possible factors associated with the presence of fibrosis.
Methods A retrospective observational study was conducted in patients with chronic HBV infection and classified as inactive carriers or immune-tolerant. Epidemiological variables of age, sex, immigrant, alcohol consumption, and body mass index (BMI), as well as virological variables (HBV DNA) and transaminase level were collected throughout the follow-up. The LF grade was evaluated by transient elastography. The cutoff value for significant fibrosis (SF) was liver stiffness ≥7.9 kPa.
Results A total of 214 patients were included in the analysis, and 62% of them had a BMI ≥25 kg/m2. During follow-up, 4% of patients showed transaminase elevation (<1.5 times normal). Most patients had a viral DNA level <2,000 IU/mL (83%). Data on LF were available in 160 patients; of these, 14% had SF, 9% F3, and 6% F4. The variables associated with the presence of SF were transaminase alteration during follow-up, as 23% of patients with SF had elevated transaminases versus 3% of patients without SF (P<0.005), and BMI, as the vast majority of patients with SF (88%) had a BMI ≥25 kg/m2 versus 56% of patients without SF (P<0.05).
Conclusions In patients with chronic HBV infection and normal transaminases, liver damage does not seem to be related to DNA levels, alcohol consumption, or immigrant status. SF seems to be associated with transaminase alteration during follow-up and elevated BMI. It is therefore recommended to measure LF grade with validated non-invasive methods in such patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- San Juan López Cristina
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Torrecárdenas Hospital, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Casado Martín Marta
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Torrecárdenas Hospital, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | | | - Porcel Martín Almudena
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Torrecárdenas Hospital, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | | | - Vega Sáenz Jose Luis
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Torrecárdenas Hospital, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Parrón Carreño Tesifón
- Department of Nursing, Physiotherapy and Medicine, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
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Guardiola-Arévalo A, Gómez Rodríguez R, Romero Gutiérrez M, Gómez Moreno AZ, García Vela A, Sánchez Simón R, Gómez Hernando C, Andrés Esteban EM. Hepatitis B virus e antigen-negative chronic infection. Treatment based on glutamic pyruvic transaminase and hepatitis B virus deoxyribonucleic acid cut-off values. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2017; 41:153-162. [PMID: 29279233 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 09/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To identify glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) and hepatitis B virus DNA (HBV-DNA) cut-off values at diagnosis in patients with hepatitis B virus e antigen-negative chronic infection (HBeAg(-)), which may be predictors of clinical course, prognosis and/or the need for antiviral therapy. METHODS A retrospective and observational cohort study of patients diagnosed with HBeAg(-) chronic infection (2005-2012). A normal GPT cut-off value at diagnosis that predicts abnormal GPT values in the clinical course of the infection, a baseline HBV-DNA cut-off value that predicts an increase in HBV-DNA above 2,000IU/ml, and GPT and HBV-DNA as predictors of the need for treatment were investigated using ROC curves. RESULTS 126 patients were enrolled (follow-up: 42.1±21.5months), 93 of which had normal GPT levels at diagnosis. In the ROC curve analysis, 900IU/ml was found to be the HBV-DNA cut-off value that best predicted this value's increase above 2,000IU/ml (sensitivity: 90%; specificity: 88%; PPV: 79%; NPV: 100%; diagnostic precision: 89%), while 25mU/ml was the normal GPT cut-off value at diagnosis that best predicted subsequently elevated GPT levels (sensitivity: 95.4%; specificity: 81.6%; PPV: 67%; NPV: 96%; diagnostic precision: 80.6%). Patients with GPT 26-40mU/ml at diagnosis presented with more complications or required more treatment than subjects with GPT≤25mU/ml (P<.05). The combined GPT and HBV-DNA values that elicited the highest treatment need were 38mU/ml of GPT and 6,000IU/ml of HBV-DNA (sensitivity: 75%; specificity: 93.4%; PPV: 60%; NPV: 96.6%). CONCLUSION HBeAg(-) patients with GPT<25mU/ml and HBV-DNA<900IU/ml at diagnosis have positive outcomes and may not require such stringent follow-up in the first years after diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Guardiola-Arévalo
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Toledo, España; Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Fuenlabrada, Madrid, España.
| | | | | | - Ana Zaida Gómez Moreno
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Fuenlabrada, Madrid, España
| | - Almudena García Vela
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Fuenlabrada, Madrid, España
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Guardiola Arévalo A, Gómez Rodríguez R, Romero Gutiérrez M, Gómez Moreno AZ, García Vela A, Sánchez Simón R, Gómez Hernando C, Andrés Esteban EM. Characteristics and course of chronic hepatitis B e antigen-negative infection. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2016; 40:59-69. [PMID: 28007350 DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2016] [Revised: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To describe the epidemiological, analytical and histological characteristics and clinical course of hepatitis B virus (HBV) carriers with negative HBe antigen. MATERIAL AND METHODS Observational, retrospective cohort study of HBV carriers with negative HBe antigen (2005-2012), with no other causes of liver disease. RESULTS One hundred and thirty-eight patients were included, with mean age 40.5±12.2 years; 54% were women, and 38% were of foreign origin; the number of foreign patients significantly increased (P<.001) over the years. Transaminases were normal in nearly 75% and HBV-DNA was <2,000IU/ml in 56% of patients at diagnosis. There was a gradual decrease in HBV-DNA levels in inactive carriers over the study period. Fibrosis study was performed in 47% of patients by Fibroscan® or liver biopsy: 55.4% normal histology and 6.1% cirrhosis. Just over three quarters of patients (77.77%) were inactive carriers. Treatment was required in 15.5% of patients (20% because of cirrhosis and 80% HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B). Five patients cleared HBsAg (annual rate .94%), all of whom presented HBV-DNA <2,000IU/ml at diagnosis. Five patients developed complications (3.6%), 4 of them hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), of which only 2 had cirrhosis. There was 1 HBV-related death (.72%). CONCLUSION Among HBV carriers with negative HBe antigen, inactive HBs-Ag carriers are predominant. HBV-DNA gradually decreases in the first few years after diagnosis. Morbidity and mortality are low, especially if glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT) is normal and HBV-DNA levels are low at diagnosis. Treatment is needed in a considerable number of patients. HCC is the most frequent complication, even in the absence of cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Guardiola Arévalo
- Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Toledo, España; Servicio de Aparato Digestivo, Hospital Universitario de Fuenlabrada, Fuenlabrada, Madrid, España.
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Assis DRD, Tenore SDB, Pinho JRR, Lewi DS, Ferreira PRA. Characteristics of an outpatient chronic hepatitis B virus infection cohort. EINSTEIN-SAO PAULO 2015; 13:189-95. [PMID: 26154539 PMCID: PMC4943808 DOI: 10.1590/s1679-45082015ao3269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/06/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective: To characterize a chronic hepatitis B cohort based on initial and follow-up clinical evaluations. Methods: A retrospective and descriptive analysis of clinical and laboratory data from chronic HBsAg adult carriers, without HIV, unexposed to treatment, with at least two outpatient visits, between February 2006 and November 2012. Fisher´s exact test, χ², Wilcoxon, Spearman, multiple comparisons and Kappa tests were applied, the level of significance adopted was 5%, with a 95% confidence interval. Results: 175 patients with mean age of 42.95±12.53 years were included: 93 (53.1%) were men, 152 (86.9%) were negative for hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg), 3 (1.7%) had hepatitis C coinfection, 15 (8.6%) had cirrhosis, and 2 (1.1%) had hepatocellular carcinoma. Genotype A predominated. Sixty-six patients (37.7%) had active hepatitis, 6 (3.4%) presented immune tolerance, and 38 (21.7%) were inactive carriers. Exacerbations and/or viral breakthrough were detected in 16 patients (9.1%). In 32 patients (18.3%), hepatitis B virus DNA remained persistently elevated and alanine aminotransferase levels were normal, whereas in 17 (9.7%), there was low hepatitis B virus DNA and alterated alanine aminotransferase. If only initial alanine aminotransferase and hepatitis B virus DNA values were considered, 15 cases of active hepatitis would not have been detected. Advanced fibrosis was more common in HBeAg-positive patients, and it was significantly associated with transaminases, hepatitis B virus DNA, and age. Conclusion: Many patients had active hepatitis, but almost 25%, who were HBeAg non-reactive, were only identified because of combined analyses of the hepatitis B virus DNA and transaminases levels, sometimes associated with histological data, after clinical follow-up.
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Tratamiento de la hepatitis crónica B antígeno e positiva con antivirales orales: experiencia y resultados en la práctica clínica. GASTROENTEROLOGIA Y HEPATOLOGIA 2014; 37:280-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gastrohep.2013.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2013] [Revised: 11/24/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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