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Kim LY, Yoo JJ, Chang Y, Jo H, Cho YY, Lee S, Lee DH, Jang JY. The Epidemiology of Hepatitis B Virus Infection in Korea: 15-Year Analysis. J Korean Med Sci 2024; 39:e22. [PMID: 38288536 PMCID: PMC10825461 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2024.39.e22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study is to investigate the epidemiological changes in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) and assess the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) over the past 15 years in a region endemic to hepatitis B virus (HBV). METHODS National Health Insurance Service claims data of hepatitis B patients spanning from 2007 to 2021 was utilized. To compare the characteristics of the hepatitis B group, a control group adjusted for age and gender through propensity score matching analysis was established. RESULTS The number of patients with CHB has consistently increased over the past 15 years. The average age of the CHB patient group has shown a yearly rise, while the prevalence of male dominance has gradually diminished. The proportions of hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cirrhosis, and decompensation have exhibited a declining pattern, whereas the proportion of liver transplants has continuously risen. Patients with CHB have demonstrated significantly higher medical and medication costs compared to the control group. Moreover, patients with CHB have shown a higher prevalence of comorbidities along with a significantly higher rate of concomitant medication usage. During the COVID period, the HBV group experienced a substantial decrease in the number of outpatient visits and overall medical costs compared to the control group. CONCLUSION The epidemiology of CHB has undergone significant changes over the past 15 years, encompassing shifts in prevalence, severity, medical costs, and comorbidities. Furthermore, the impact of COVID-19 has been observed to decrease healthcare utilization among patients with CHB when compared to controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Log Young Kim
- Department of Big DATA Strategy, National Health Insurance Service, Wonju, Korea
| | - Jeong-Ju Yoo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Bucheon, Korea
| | - Young Chang
- Institute for Digestive Research, Digestive Disease Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Hoongil Jo
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wonkwang University School of Medicine and Wonkwang University Hospital, Iksan, Korea
| | - Young Youn Cho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sangheun Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Catholic Kwandong University College of Medicine, St. International Mary's Hospital, Incheon, Korea
| | - Dong Hyeon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul Metropolitan Government-Seoul National University Boramae Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jae Young Jang
- Institute for Digestive Research, Digestive Disease Center, Department of Internal Medicine, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
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Genetic polymorphism of HLA-DRA and alcohol consumption affect hepatitis development in the Korean population. Genes Genomics 2022; 44:1109-1116. [PMID: 35895219 DOI: 10.1007/s13258-022-01286-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that has several potential causes; however, the genetic association has recently begun to be studied. OBJECTIVES Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is an essential component of the immune response, and in this study, we conducted a correlation analysis to determine whether genetic polymorphisms of HLA and drinking habits affect hepatitis development. METHODS Genetic polymorphisms of HLA were investigated using Korean genomic and epidemiological data. A gene association study was performed using PLINK version 1.07. Other statistical analyses and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed using PASW Statistics version 18.0. RESULTS Thirteen single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in HLA-DRA showed significant statistical correlations with hepatitis. In particular, rs9268645 showed the highest statistical association with hepatitis (P = 3.97 × 10-5, odds ratio [OR] = 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.61-0.84). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, when considering only genetic factors, the A allele of rs9268644 showed a reduced hepatitis OR of approximately 0.52-fold. However, the group carrying the minor A allele (AA + AC) with alcohol consumption had an approximately 1.58-fold OR of hepatitis compared to that of the group carrying the same allele with no alcohol consumption. This implies that the A allele of rs9268644 has a protective effect on hepatitis by genetic factors and shows sensitivity to alcohol. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that hepatitis is influenced by both genetic and external factors (drinking habits), which can provide new guidelines for the prevention or treatment of hepatitis.
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Kwon JH, Lee SS, Yoon JS, Suk HI, Sung YS, Kim HS, Lee CM, Kim KM, Lee SJ, Kim SY. Liver-to-Spleen Volume Ratio Automatically Measured on CT Predicts Decompensation in Patients with B Viral Compensated Cirrhosis. Korean J Radiol 2021; 22:1985-1995. [PMID: 34564961 PMCID: PMC8628160 DOI: 10.3348/kjr.2021.0348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Although the liver-to-spleen volume ratio (LSVR) based on CT reflects portal hypertension, its prognostic role in cirrhotic patients has not been proven. We evaluated the utility of LSVR, automatically measured from CT images using a deep learning algorithm, as a predictor of hepatic decompensation and transplantation-free survival in patients with hepatitis B viral (HBV)-compensated cirrhosis. Materials and Methods A deep learning algorithm was used to measure the LSVR in a cohort of 1027 consecutive patients (mean age, 50.5 years; 675 male and 352 female) with HBV-compensated cirrhosis who underwent liver CT (2007–2010). Associations of LSVR with hepatic decompensation and transplantation-free survival were evaluated using multivariable Cox proportional hazards and competing risk analyses, accounting for either the Child-Pugh score (CPS) or Model for End Stage Liver Disease (MELD) score and other variables. The risk of the liver-related events was estimated using Kaplan-Meier analysis and the Aalen-Johansen estimator. Results After adjustment for either CPS or MELD and other variables, LSVR was identified as a significant independent predictor of hepatic decompensation (hazard ratio for LSVR increase by 1, 0.71 and 0.68 for CPS and MELD models, respectively; p < 0.001) and transplantation-free survival (hazard ratio for LSVR increase by 1, 0.8 and 0.77, respectively; p < 0.001). Patients with an LSVR of < 2.9 (n = 381) had significantly higher 3-year risks of hepatic decompensation (16.7% vs. 2.5%, p < 0.001) and liver-related death or transplantation (10.0% vs. 1.1%, p < 0.001) than those with an LSVR ≥ 2.9 (n = 646). When patients were stratified according to CPS (Child-Pugh A vs. B–C) and MELD (< 10 vs. ≥ 10), an LSVR of < 2.9 was still associated with a higher risk of liver-related events than an LSVR of ≥ 2.9 for all Child-Pugh (p ≤ 0.045) and MELD (p ≤ 0.009) stratifications. Conclusion The LSVR measured on CT can predict hepatic decompensation and transplantation-free survival in patients with HBV-compensated cirrhosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hye Kwon
- Department of Radiology, Good-Jang Hospital, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Soo Lee
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea.
| | - Jee Seok Yoon
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Heung-Il Suk
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Engineering, Korea University, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Artificial Intelligence, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Yu Sub Sung
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ho Sung Kim
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Chul-Min Lee
- Department of Radiology, Hanyang University Medical Center, Hanyang University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kang Mo Kim
- Department of Gastroenterology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - So Jung Lee
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - So Yeon Kim
- Department of Radiology and Research Institute of Radiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul, Korea
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Lakoh S, Firima E, Jiba DF, Kamara MN, Gashau W, Deen GF, Adekanmbi O, Yendewa GA. Prevalence of sero-markers and non-invasive assessment of liver cirrhosis in patients with Hepatitis B virus infection in Freetown, Sierra Leone: a cross-sectional study. BMC Gastroenterol 2021; 21:320. [PMID: 34372775 PMCID: PMC8353767 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-021-01892-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatitis B virus (HBV) is a major global health problem. Although sub-Saharan Africa has a high proportion of the global burden of HBV, the epidemiology and clinical features of HBV in this region are poorly characterized, and access to diagnostic and treatment services remain limited. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of HBV-infected children and adults of all age groups who were evaluated at public and private health facilities in Freetown, Sierra Leone between January 2017 and January 2019. We assessed their clinical presentation, HBV sero-markers, stages of liver disease, prevalence of cirrhosis by non-invasive tools, and the proportion of treatment eligible patients using the criteria recommended by the World Health Organization’s 2015 treatment guidelines for HBV. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of liver cirrhosis. Results 163 HBV patients included in the study, with mean age 32.6 years and 65.0% (106) being males. Most (84.0%) were asymptomatic at presentation. The majority (69.9%) were classified as having HBeAg-negative chronic infection (or inactive HBsAg carrier phase), 24.5% were in the HBeAg-negative immune active phase, 3.1% had HBeAg positive hepatitis, and 2.5% were HBsAg negative. The median Aspartate aminotransferase to Platelet Ratio (APRI) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) scores were 0.37 and 0.80, respectively. The prevalence of cirrhosis was 7.6% and 6.2%, estimated by the APRI and FIB-4 scores, respectively. About 20.0% of patients were eligible for treatment with antiviral agents. Based on APRI scores, the presence of any symptom [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 20.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) (4.1–85.9); p < 0.001], elevated direct bilirubin [aOR 12.1, 95% CI (1.9–63.0); p = 0.003], and elevated total bilirubin [aOR 16.1, 95% CI (3.2–80.8); p = 0.001] were independent predictors of cirrhosis. Conclusion Although most patients with HBV infection were asymptomatic, the prevalence of liver cirrhosis and proportion of patients requiring antiviral treatment were substantial. This small study from a hyperendemic setting in Sierra Leone suggests that routine population-based screening may increase early detection and linkage of HBV patients to care before development of complications. Larger studies are needed to confirm our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulaiman Lakoh
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Switzerland. .,Department of Medicine, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex, Freetown, Switzerland.
| | - Emmanuel Firima
- Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medicine, Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute, Basel, Switzerland.,University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Darlinda F Jiba
- Department of Medicine, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex, Freetown, Switzerland
| | - Matilda N Kamara
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Switzerland
| | - Wadzani Gashau
- Department of Medicine, University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Maiduguri, Nigeria
| | - Gibrilla F Deen
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Allied Health Sciences, University of Sierra Leone, Freetown, Switzerland.,Department of Medicine, University of Sierra Leone Teaching Hospitals Complex, Freetown, Switzerland
| | - Olukemi Adekanmbi
- Department of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria.,Department of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - George A Yendewa
- Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA.,Division of Infectious Diseases and HIV Medicine, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center, Cleveland, MD, USA.,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
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