Viral Hepatitis Among African Immigrants with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Minnesota: High Prevalence Yet Low Awareness.

Abstract

We aimed to study the virologic profile of immigrants from Africa with viral hepatitis-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who received care at our institution. We conducted a descriptive study among African-born patients with HCC who received care at University of Minnesota Medical Center from 2011 to 2018. We analyzed the prevalence, virologic profiles and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections prior to HCC diagnosis. 74 African-born patients with HCC were eligible for analysis. 54 had HCV and 20 had HBV infection. 80% of HBV patients were treated but remained with inadequate viral suppression at the time of HCC diagnosis while only 39% of HCV patients were treated prior to HCC diagnosis. Lost to follow up was common in both groups. Our findings suggest thatthere is a significant gap in appropriate viral hepatitis care in an African immigrant population in Minnesota. Culturally-appropriate strategies are needed to bridge this gap.