Hepatitis B Virus Seroprevalence, Clinical Subgroups and Risk Factors for Cirrhosis in a Single-Centre Outpatient Cohort

Abstract

Objective: This study investigated the prevalence of HBsAg, anti-HBe, HBV-DNA, delta antibodies, and demographic information in HBsAg-positive persons with inactive carrier, chronic active hepatitis, or HBV-related liver cirrhosis. It also investigated subgroups and alcohol intake and systemic disorders like diabetes, heart disease, hypertriglyceridemia, and obesity.Materials & methods: The Adnan Menderes University Faculty of Medicine Hospital Gastroenterology/Hepatology outpatient clinics saw 603 patients between May 2015 and May 2017. Inactive carriers (n=214), chronic active hepatitis (n=254), and HBV-related liver cirrhosis (n=135) were HBsAg positive. Retrospectively scanning these patients' files examined the link between HBV serology, HBV DNA, demographics, alcohol and tobacco use, and systemic illnesses.Results: Patients had a mean age of 49.1±14.7 (19-88) years, with 42.5% female and 57.5% male. 35.5% were inactive carriers, 42.1% had chronic active hepatitis, and 22.4% had cirrhosis. Patients had 17.1% HBeAg, 82.8% anti-HBe, and 13.7% delta antibody. Diabetes was the most common concomitant condition in cirrhosis patients compared to inactive carriers and chronic hepatitis patients. Cirrhosis is more common in daily alcohol drinkers.Conclusion: HBV serology helps monitor HBsAg-positive patients' clinical course and therapy response. Our study indicated that advanced age, male gender, and DM were independent risk factors for cirrhosis. Daily alcohol users had a greater prevalence of cirrhosis than chronic active hepatitis patients and inactive carriers. Cirrhosis is more likely with diabetes, the most common concomitant condition.