Epidemiological Profile and Clinical Characteristics of Patients With Hepatitis B Infection

Abstract

Background and Aim: To describe the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients with hepatitis B. To assess correlation of non invasive methods for assessment of hepatic steatosis (HS) and fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Methods: An observational prospective study of patients referred to the outpatient clinic for evaluation of Hepatitis B. Demographic, laboratory data, clinical presentation, non invasive assessment of fibrosis using fibrosis index based on 4 factor (FIB-4), aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio (APRI) and Fibroscan (FS) (502 Echosens) E score. Assessment of hepatic steatosis (HS) using USG and Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) at time of referral. Results: 175 patients (Male 70% N = 122, Female 30%, N = 53), mean age 41.5 years (range 17–77 years), 6.85% (N = 12/175) had acute hepatitis B infection, leaving 163 patients with CHB. HbeAg was negative in 86.5% (N = 116/134), HBV DNA viral load < 2000 IU/ml in 60% (N = 54/90) and 75% (N = 122/163) had normal transaminases. Presence of concomitant HS identified in 61.5% using CAP score (N = 80/130, S1 = 17, S2 = 33, S3 = 30) mean CAP score 284. On USG, HS detected in 37.8% (N = 101/161). Correlation of fibrosis score using APRI, FIB 4 and FB are tabulated. 13.5% (N = 22/163) patients presented with decompensated cirrhosis (ascites, portal hypertension) and 4.3% (N = 7/163) had hepatocellular carcinoma. Conclusion: There was a male preponderance seen. USG alone will miss HS in significant proportion of patients with CHB. The degree of agreement on stage of fibrosis using non invasive markers of fibrosis was good in patients with F4. Presence of HS may influence the degree of fibrosis (Table 1).Table 1Correlation of Degree of Fibrosis Using Noninvasive Markers.FIB-4 (N = 161)APRI (N = 161)Fibroscan (N = 130)Fibroscan (no steatosis N = 50)Fibroscan (steatosis N = 80F0–F1118136803050F2–F3289341222F415161679 Open table in a new tab The author has none to declare.