Clinical course of hepatitis B surface antigen positive subjects following screening: A retrospective observational study from April 2008 to January 2013. Issue 7 (19th November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: E. Furukawa, Naoko; Yamashita, Shu‐ichi; Maeyama, Keishiro; Oeda, Satoshi; Iwane, Shinji; Hirai, Kenji; Ozaki, Iwata; Eguchi, Yuichiro
• Is Part Of: Hepatology research. Volume 46:Issue 7(2016)
• Page Start: 678
• Page End: 685
• Publication Date: 2015-11-19
• Subjects: hepatitis B surface antigen positive -- percentage of antiviral treatment for hepatitis B -- percentage of detailed examination for hepatitis B; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Liver Diseases -- Periodicals; Foie -- Maladies -- Périodiques; 616.362
• DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12608
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1386-6346

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: Determination of the percentage of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) positive participants who undergo screening and treatment may reduce the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. This study assessed the percentages of HBsAg positive participants detected by free screening at medical institutions in Saga Prefecture who underwent detailed examinations and antiviral treatment. Methods: Participants were screened for HBsAg positivity at medical institutions in Saga Prefecture from April 2008 to January 2013, with some visiting physicians for detailed examinations and applying for reimbursement. Participants in the database of the Health Promotion Division of Saga Prefecture and results of detailed examinations were analyzed retrospectively. Results: Screening revealed 193 eligible participants, 105 men (54%) and 88 women (46%), of a mean age of 55.5 ± 14.9 years. Of these 193 participants, 147 (76%) visited physicians for detailed examinations, 24 (16%) were regarded as needing treatment and seven (3.6%) were reimbursed for antiviral treatments. The 46 participants who did not undergo detailed examinations were significantly younger than the 147 examined participants (50.9 ± 13.2 vs 56.9 ± 15.2 years, P = 0.018). Of the 110 participants thought to require observation, 68 (62%) were assigned to this group without determination of alanine aminotransferase or hepatitis B virus DNA concentration, and 15 (14%) had indications for antiviral treatment according to the 2014 guidelines of the Japanese Society of Hepatology. Conclusion: The proportion of HBsAg positive participants receiving antiviral treatment was lower than that of participants undergoing detailed examinations.