Principais motivos de descarte de córneas para transplante na Paraíba: por que o anti-HBc merece atenção?* / Main reasons for discarding corneas for transplant in Paraíba: why does anti-HBc deserve attention?*

RESUMO Objetivo: Identificar o perfil dos doadores de tecidos oculares humanos na área de atuação do Banco de Olhos da Paraíba, destacando o impacto da sorologia positiva para hepatite B no descarte dos tecidos para transplante. Métodos: O estudo é transversal e utilizou dados do Banco de Olhos da Paraíba entre janeiro de 2013 e dezembro de 2022. Dados sobre procedência, idade, sexo, causa do óbito, tempo entre óbito e enucleação, resultados sorológicos e motivo de descarte das córneas dos doadores foram coletados. Resultados: O maior motivo de descarte foi por sorologia positiva (56,5%), sendo positivadas as sorologias positivas para hepatite B e HBsAg em 11,1% e 4,75% dos pacientes, respectivamente. Conclusão: A sorologia positiva para hepatite B como um critério de descarte absoluto é responsável por grande parcela de descartes, apesar da pouca informação sobre suas repercussões e representação de infectividade nos receptores do transplante.

ABSTRACT Objective: To identify the profile of human ocular tissue donors in the area covered by the Eye Bank of Paraíba (PB), highlighting the impact of positive serology for hepatitis B (anti-HBc) in the disposal of tissues for transplantation. Methods: This is a cross-sectional that uses data from the Eye Bank of Paraíba (PB) between January 2013 and December 2022. Data on origin, age, sex, cause of death, time between death and enucleation, serological results, and reason for discarded donor corneas were collected. Results: The main reason for discarding was due to positive serology (56.5%), with positive anti-HBc and HBsAg serology in 11.1% and 4.75% of patients, respectively. Conclusion: Anti-HBc positive serology as an absolute disposal criterion is responsible for great part of disposals, despite little information about its repercussions and representation of infectivity in transplant recipients.

Trends and spatial distribution of hepatitis B in pregnant women in Brazil / Tendência e distribuição espacial da hepatite B em gestantes no Brasil

Abstract Objectives: to analyze the trend and spatial distribution of hepatitis B in pregnant women in Brazil. Methods: ecological study based on all notified cases of hepatitis B in pregnant women through the Information System for Notifiable Diseases - Sinan between 2009 and 2018. Hepatitis B virus (HBV) detection rates were calculated in all municipalities. Spatial analysis was performed using the Global Moran Index for global data and local indicators of spatial association (Lisa) for the 5,570 municipalities. For trend analysis by State, the Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression model was used. Results: 15,253 pregnant women with HBV were reported. High detection rates were observed in the municipalities of São Miguel da Boa Vista-SC (68.96/1000 live births (LB)), Araguaiana-MT (68.18/1000 LB), Reserva do Cabaçal-MT (80, 00/1,000 LB), São Geraldo da Piedade-MG (75/1000 LB), Porto Mauá-RS (111, 11/1000 LB), in the respective bienniums. Moran (I) (I=0.056) showed a positive spatial association. In Lisa, 78 municipalities were included in the high-high cluster, 51.28% in the South region and 48 in the low-low cluster with 72.91% in the Southeast. There was an increasing trend in Maranhão (p=0.004) and Pernambuco (p=0.007) and a decrease in Mato Grosso (p=0.012), Paraná (p=0.031) and Santa Catarina (p=0.008). Conclusion: the detection of hepatitis B in pregnant women was observed in most Brazilian municipalities, with an increasing trend in two states and a decrease in three others.

Resumo Objetivos: analisar a tendência e distribuição espacial da hepatite B em gestantes no Brasil. Métodos: estudo ecológico a partir de todos os casos notificados de hepatite B em gestantes pelo Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação - Sinan entre 2009 e 2018. Foram calculadas as taxas de detecção do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) em todos os municípios. A análise espacial foi realizada por meio do Índice Global de Moran para os dados globais e os indicadores locais de associação espacial (Lisa) para os 5.570 municípios. Para análise de tendências por Estado, utilizou-se o modelo de regressão linear generalizada de Prais-Winsten. Resultados: foram notificadas 15.253 gestantes com HBV. Observou-se altas taxas de detecção nos municípios de São Miguel da Boa Vista-SC (68,96/1000 Nascidos vivos (NV)), Araguaiana-MT (68,18/1000 NV), Reserva do Cabaçal-MT(80,00/1.000 NV), São Geraldo da Piedade-MG (75/1000 NV), Porto Mauá-RS (111,11/1000 NV), nos respectivos biênios. Moran (I) (I=0,056) apresentou associação espacial positiva. No Lisa observou-se 78 municípios inserido no cluster alto-alto, sendo 51,28%na região Sul e 48 no cluster baixo-baixo com 72,91% no Sudeste. Verificou-se tendência crescente no Maranhão (p=0,004) e Pernambuco (p=0,007) e diminuição no Mato Grosso (p=0,012), Paraná (p=0,031) e Santa Catarina (p=0,008). Conclusão: Observou-se a detecção de hepatite B em gestantes na maioria dos municípios brasileiros, com tendência crescente em dois estados e diminuição em outros três.

Knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B amongst students of Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

Background: Globally, 296 million people were infected by hepatitis B in 2019, with 1.1 million deaths. Africa is one of the endemic regions. Good knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B remain pivotal to the biosafety of medical students. This study sought to determine the levels of knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B among students of Pamo University of Medical Sciences (PUMS), Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and the predicting factors associated with this knowledge and awareness. The is with the aim of providing recommendations for improving and sustaining biosafety levels for medical and other health-related students of the University. Methodology: The study was a descriptive cross-sectional design conducted amongst 528 randomly selected medical students of PUMS, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. Structured questionnaires were interviewer-administered to collect socio-demographic information and participants' responses to questions on knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B. Data were analysed using SPSS version 26.0 and relationships of socio-demographic characteristics and predictive factors with knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B were tested using binary logistic regression analysis with p value for statistical significance set at <0.05. Results: A total of 528 students participated in the study, 202 (38.3%) males and 326 (61.7%) females. Most participants (296, 56.1%) were between 15-19 years of age with mean age of 19 ±2.43 years. The mean (±SD) of participants responses with good knowledge of hepatitis B was 249±121.5 while for good awareness, it was 181±88.3. The percentage average for good knowledge and good awareness was 47.2% and 34.2% respectively, with positive correlation between knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B (r=0.720, p<0.0001). Age was significantly associated with participants percentage average knowledge (OR=0.77, 95% CI 0.70-0.84, p<0.0001) and awareness of hepatitis B (OR=0.84, 95%CI 0.78-0.90, p=0.004). No other factor was significantly associated with knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B except Ijaw tribe (OR=0.4, 95%CI 0.24-0.66, p=0.034) and attendance of Federal Government College (OR=0.4, 95% CI 0.24-0.68, p=0.046). Conclusion: The percentage average good knowledge of 47.2% and awareness of 34.2% for hepatitis B in this study are low, although most participants in the study were between the ages of 15-19 years and in their first and second year of study. This gives room for improvement in knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B with progression in age and year of training. Good knowledge and awareness of hepatitis B are central to the biosafety of medical students. It is recommended that the National Universities Commission (NUC) and the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) review the current medical school curriculum to increase the teaching of medical and health-related students that will impact more on knowledge and awareness of infectious diseases and infection prevention and control.

Independent predictors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: There are limited data on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in chronic hepatitis B virus infection. We aimed to determine the predictors for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in patients with treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B virus infection. METHODS: All consecutive treatment-naïve patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection at the Haseki Training and Research Hospital between October 1, 2021, and September 31, 2022, were retrospectively enrolled. Chronic hepatitis B virus infection is defined by positive serum hepatitis B surface antigen for 6 months or more. Patients with significant alcohol consumption, prolonged steatogenic drug use, malignancy, monogenic hereditary disorders, patients co-infected with hepatitis D virus, hepatitis C virus infection, or human immunodeficiency virus were excluded. Demographic characteristics, anthropometric determinants, laboratory findings, and virological parameters were retrospectively collected from patients' charts and electronic medical records. RESULTS: A total of 457 patients with treatment-naïve chronic hepatitis B virus infection were included in the study. The three multivariate regression models revealed that age (p<0.028), body mass index (p=0.046), diabetes mellitus (p=0.030), hemoglobin (p=0.008), platelet (p=0.012), and triglyceride (p=0.002) in Model 1; body mass index (p=0.033), diabetes mellitus (p<0.001), hemoglobin (p=0.008), platelet (p=0.004), LDL (p=0.023), and HDL (p=0.020) in Model 2; and age (p<0.001), body mass index (p=0.033), hemoglobin (p=0.004), platelet (p=0.004), and HDL (p=0.007) in Model 3 were independent predictors. CONCLUSION: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease was observed in about one-third of patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and was positively associated with older age, higher body mass index, presence of comorbid conditions including diabetes mellitus, increased levels of metabolic laboratory parameters, especially serum triglyceride and LDL, and decreased HDL.

Correlation between serum HBV RNA and duration of treatment with nucleos（t）ide analogues in patients with chronic hepatitis B / 临床肝胆病杂志

‍ ObjectiveTo investigate the serum level of HBV RNA in untreated or treatment-experienced patients with chronic hepatitis B （CHB） and the correlation between serum HBV RNA level and the duration of antiviral therapy with nucleos（t）ide analogues （NAs）. MethodsA total of 300 patients with CHB who attended Department of Infectious Diseases in The First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University School of Medicine from February to July， 2022， were enrolled as subjects. Related clinical data were collected， and according to the duration of antiviral therapy， they were divided into untreated group with 73 patients， treatment duration ≤1 year group with 91 patients， and treatment duration >1 year group with 136 patients. Serum HBV RNA load， HBV DNA load， and HBsAg concentration were measured for all patients. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups， and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups， further pairwise comparison using Bonferroni method； the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data； a Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate the degree of correlation between various indicators. ResultsThe positive rate of HBeAg was 18.3%， and among the patients with negative HBV DNA， the patients with positive HBV RNA accounted for 44.1% （86/195）. There was a significant difference in the distribution of the serum levels of HBV RNA， HBV DNA， and HBsAg between the positive HBeAg group and the negative HBeAg group （Z=10.740， 6.300， and 7.280， all P<0.05）. There was a significant difference in the distribution of DNA level between the untreated group and the treatment duration ≤1 year group （P<0.05）； there was a significant difference in the distribution of HBV RNA and HBV DNA levels between the untreated group and the treatment duration >1 year group （P<0.05）； there was a significant difference in the distribution of HBV RNA， HBV DNA， and HBsAg levels between the treatment duration ≤1 year group and the treatment duration >1 year group （P<0.05）. The correlation analysis between the duration of antiviral therapy and the levels of HBV RNA， HBV DNA， and HBsAg showed that the duration of antiviral therapy had an extremely weak negative correlation with the levels of HBV RNA and HBsAg （r=-0.247 and -0.138， both P<0.05） and a strong negative correlation with the level of HBV DNA （r=-0.771， P<0.001）. There was a low degree of correlation between the serum level of HBV RNA and the serum levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg （r=0.360 and 0.442， both P<0.001）. Further stratified analysis showed that in the untreated group， there was a strong positive correlation between HBV RNA and HBV DNA （r=0.752， P<0.001） and a moderate positive correlation between HBV RNA and HBsAg （r=0.559， P<0.001）； in the treatment duration ≤1 year group， there was a low degree of positive correlation between HBV RNA and HBV DNA/HBsAg （r=0.396 and r=0.388， both P<0.001）； in the treatment duration >1 year group， there was a low degree of positive correlation between HBV RNA and HBsAg （r=0.352， P<0.001）. ConclusionSerum HBV RNA is negatively correlated with the duration of treatment with NAs， and the correlation of HBV RNA with HBV DNA and HBsAg gradually decreases with the increase in the duration of treatment. Therefore， it can be used as a supplementary indicator for monitoring the level of virologic response in CHB patients to a certain extent， with a relatively high accuracy in reflecting the level of viral replication in untreated patients.

Dynamic change and significance of Mindin protein in chronic hepatitis B treated with PEG-IFNα-2b / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the change and potential role of Mindin protein in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B （CHB） with PEG-IFNα-2b. MethodsA total of 29 CHB patients who received the treatment with PEG-IFNα-2b in The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University from January 2018 to December 2019 were enrolled， and according to their clinical outcome， they were divided into cured group with 17 patients and uncured group with 12 patients. Peripheral blood samples were collected from both groups at baseline， 12 weeks， and 24 weeks to measure blood routine indices， liver function parameters， hepatitis B markers， and Mindin protein. HBsAg， alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， and Mindin protein at different time points were compared between the two groups. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups； a Spearman correlation analysis was used to investigate correlation； a multiple linear regression analysis was used to investigate the influence of HBsAg and ALT on the content of Mindin protein. ResultsThe analysis of baseline data showed that there were significant differences in the levels of HBsAg， HBeAb， albumin， and albumin/globulin ratio between the cured group and the uncured group （all P<0.05）. The cured group tended to have a gradual increase in the level of Mindin， and the level of Mindin at 24 weeks was significantly higher than that at baseline （P<0.05）. The cured group had a significantly higher level of Mindin protein than the uncured group at 24 weeks （P=0.019）. The cured group had a significantly lower level of HBsAg than the uncured group （P<0.05）， with a significant change from baseline to each time point within the cured group （P<0.05）. In addition， the levels of ALT and AST in the cured group tended to first increase and then decrease， and the expression levels at 12 weeks were significantly higher than those at baseline （P<0.05）. At 12 weeks， there was a strong linear correlation between Mindin protein levels and ALT in the untreated group （r=0.760 8， P<0.05）， and further multiple linear regression analysis also demonstrated a linear relationship between the two （b=1.571， P=0.019）. ConclusionThere is a significant difference in the level of Mindin protein between the cured group and the non-cured group after 24 weeks of PEG-IFNα-2b antiviral treatment， and therefore， detecting the dynamic changes of Mindin protein can better predict the treatment outcome of CHB， which provides a reference for clinical practice.

Application value of liver/spleen CT value， controlled attenuation parameter， and magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction in chronic hepatitis B patients with hepatic steatosis / 临床肝胆病杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the application value of liver/spleen CT value （CTL/S）， controlled attenuation parameter （CAP）， and magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction （MRI-PDFF） in chronic hepatitis B （CHB） patients with hepatic steatosis. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 213 CHB patients who underwent liver CT， CAP， and MRI-PDFF examinations in Affiliated Hospital of Yan’an University from October 2018 to December 2022. According to MRI-PDFF， the 213 patients were divided into CHB group with 111 patients （MRI-PDFF<5%） and CHB+hepatic steatosis group with 102 patients （MRI-PDFF≥5%）， among whom there were 69 patients with mild hepatic steatosis and 33 patients with moderate to severe hepatic steatosis. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between groups， and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between groups. The Bland-Altman plot was used to evaluate the consistency in MRI-PDFF measurement between two physicians. The Spearman’s correlation coefficient was used to analyze the correlation between CTL/S and MRI-PDFF and between CAP and MRI-PDFF. The receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was plotted and the area under the ROC curve （AUC） was calculated to investigate the value of CTL/S and CAP in the diagnosis of different degrees of hepatic steatosis， and the DeLong test was used to compare the AUCs of the two radiological examinations. ResultsMRI-PDFF had relatively high repeatability and stability in CHB patients. There is a significant negative correlation between CTL/S and MRI-PDFF （r=-0.800， P<0.001） and a significant positive correlation between CAP and MRI-PDFF （r=0.692， P<0.001）. Both CTL/S and CAP had a relatively high accuracy in the diagnosis of hepatic steatosis in CHB patients， with an AUC of 0.951 and 0.902， respectively， and CTL/S had a better accuracy than CAP （P<0.05）. In the diagnosis of mild and moderate-to-severe hepatic steatosis， CTL/S had an AUC of 0.921 and 0.895， respectively， and CAP had an AUC of 0.859 and 0.825， respectively， suggesting that CTL/S had a slightly higher diagnostic efficiency than CAP. ConclusionMRI-PDFF has high repeatability and stability in CHB patients， and CTL/S and CAP have a high diagnostic value for different degrees of hepatic steatosis in CHB patients.

Efficacy of Tiaogan Huaxian Pills in Prevention and Treatment of Hepatic Fibrosis in Hepatitis B and Its Effect on Diffusion-weighted Imaging / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the preventive and therapeutic effects of Tiaogan Huaxian pills combined with entecavir on hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B with liver Qi stagnation， spleen deficiency， and blood stasis syndrome and its effect on diffusion-weighted imaging （DWI）. MethodClinical data of 117 patients with liver disease who visited the Department of Hepatology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine from January 2021 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. According to different treatment plans， they were divided into a control group （59 cases） and a treatment group （58 cases）. Both groups of patients received entecavir-based etiology treatment， and the treatment group added Tiaogan Huaxian pills on the basis of basic treatment. Both groups were treated for 24 weeks. Before and after treatment， the two groups were compared in terms of alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， advanced surgical technologies （AST）， total bilirubin （TBil）， hepatitis B virus （HBV）-DNA conversion rate， liver stiffness measurement （LSM）， four items of liver fibrosis （hyaluronidase， type Ⅲ pro-collagen， type Ⅳ collagen， and laminin）， the fibrosis index based on four factors （FIB-4）， the aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index （APRI）， the apparent diffusion coefficient （ADC） value in magnetic resonance imaging （MRI）， and traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores， so as to analyze the efficacy of the two groups. ResultBefore treatment， there was no significant difference in ALT， AST， TBil， LSM， four items of liver fibrosis， FIB-4， APRI， HBV-DNA conversion rate， ADC value， and traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores between the two groups. After treatment， both groups of patients showed significant reductions in ALT， AST， TBil， LSM， hyaluronidase， type Ⅲ pro-collagen， type Ⅳ collagen， laminin， FIB-4， and APRI （P<0.05） and a significant increase in ADC value （P<0.05） and HBV-DNA conversion rate （P<0.01）. The traditional Chinese medicine symptom score of the treatment group decreased significantly （P<0.05）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the effective rate of clinical traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment group was 91.38% （53/58）， which was significantly higher than that of the control group （54.23%， 32/59） （Z=-4.325， P<0.01）. In the treatment group， ALT， AST， TBil， LSM， hyaluronidase， type Ⅲ pro-collagen， type Ⅳ collagen， laminin， FIB-4， APRI， and traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores all decreased significantly （P<0.05）， and the increase in ADC values was more significant （P<0.05）， while the difference in HBV-DNA conversion rate was not statistically significant. There were no serious adverse reactions or events in either group. ConclusionTiaogan Huaxian pills combined with entecavir have significant clinical efficacy in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B， which can reduce liver inflammation activity， delay hepatic fibrosis progression， and reduce traditional Chinese medicine symptom scores. It is worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Hepatitis B and Celiac Disease: A Cause for Concern?

Some theories suggest that the development of the immune response to clear hepatitis B triggers the intestinal tissue damage seen in celiac disease in genetically predisposed individuals. Although the role of hepatitis B virus infection in the development of autoimmune diseases has been widely discussed in the literature, it remains a controversial topic. Our objective is to review whether there is an association between hepatitis B and celiac disease and the particularities of vaccination against hepatitis B in celiac patients.

Algunas teorías sugieren que el desarrollo de la respuesta inmunitaria para la eliminación de la hepatitis B desencadena el daño del tejido intestinal observado en la enfermedad celíaca en individuos genéticamente predispuestos. Aunque el papel de la infección por el virus de la hepatitis B en el desarrollo de enfermedades autoinmunes se ha discutido ampliamente en la literatura, sigue siendo un tema controvertido. Nuestro objetivo es revisar si existe una asociación entre la hepatitis B y la enfermedad celíaca y las particularidades de la vacunación contra la hepatitis B en pacientes celíacos.

Correlation of serological and molecular markers in the screening for hepatitis B virus in blood bank in northern Brazil

ABSTRACT Introduction: In Brazil, the blood donor screening for hepatitis B virus (HBV) includes laboratory testing for serological (HBsAg and Anti-HBc) and molecular (HBV DNA) markers. This study aims to correlate serology reactive results with HBV DNA detection among blood donors with at least one HBV infection marker detected in a blood bank in northern Brazil. Method: A retrospective search for HBV reactive blood donor data from January 2017 to December 2019 was performed. Serological screening was performed by chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays Architect HBsAg and Architect Anti-HBc, whereas molecular screening was performed by the HBV nucleic acid test (HBV NAT). Main results: A total of 556 HBsAg reactive results were detected, between positive (47.66%) and inconclusive (52.34%). A total of 3,658 Anti-HBc reactive results were detected, between positive (83.71%) and inconclusive (16.29%). None of the inconclusive results were associated with HBV DNA detection. The HBV DNA detection rates were 47.55% among HBsAg positive samples and 4.08% among Anti-HBc positive samples. The signal-to-cutoff (S/CO) ratio median of HBV NAT positive samples was superior in comparison to HBV NAT negative samples (p < 0.0001). The thresholds found to optimize sensitivity and specificity were 404.15 for Architect HBsAg and 7.77 for Architect Anti-HBc. Three blood donors were in the window period and 1 occult HBV infection case was detected. Conclusion: High S/CO ratios were more predictive of HBV DNA detection. However, a number of HBV NAT positive samples gave low values, while some HBV NAT negative samples showed high values, reaffirming the significance of molecular testing to enhance transfusion safety.

Scientific evidence on hepatitis B and SARS-CoV-2 infection: An integrative review / Evidências científicas sobre hepatite B e infecção por SARS-CoV-2: revisão integrativa / Evidencias científicas sobre la hepatitis B y la infección por SARS-CoV-2: revisión integradora

Background and Objective: Hepatitis B is an infectious disease caused by a virus from the hepadnaviridae family, with worldwide distribution, and represents a serious global health problem. The pathology may have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, making it possible for serious outcomes to occur when overlapping viral types. This study sought to describe the levels of scientific evidence of research carried out on the topic, establishing a relationship between hepatitis B virus infection and SARS-CoV-2 infection. Content: integrative literature review, with searches performed in the databases of the Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, and Scientific Electronic Library Online, with analysis centered on the description of the methodological design, and on the classification of the level of evidence. Conclusion: the scientific production on hepatitis B associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection corresponds mostly to studies with a low level of evidence. The selected publications presented limitations such as the occurrence of studies with a small number of samples, lack of subsidiary data of patients in treatment, and occurrence of non-randomized selection. The results suggest the need for further investigations for the purpose of technological improvement, identification of risk factors, therapeutic intervention, and advanced clinical investigation, in order to encourage evidence-based healthcare practices.(AU)

Justificativa e Objetivos: a hepatite B é uma doença infectocontagiosa provocada por um vírus da família hepadnaviridae, com distribuição mundial, e representa um grave problema de saúde global. A patologia pode ter sido afetada pela pandemia de COVID-19, provocada pelo vírus SARS-CoV-2, sendo possível a ocorrência de desfechos graves na sobreposição entre os dos tipos virais. Este estudo buscou descrever os níveis de evidências científicas de pesquisas realizadas sobre o tema, estabelecendo relação entre a infecção por vírus da hepatite B e a infecção por SARS-CoV-2. Conteúdo: revisão integrativa da literatura, com buscas realizadas nas bases de dados do Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online e Scientific Electronic Library Online, com análise centrada na descrição do delineamento metodológico e na classificação do nível de evidência. Conclusão: a produção científica sobre hepatite B associada a infecção por SARS-CoV-2 corresponde majoritariamente a pesquisas com baixo nível de evidência. As publicações selecionadas apresentaram limitações, como a ocorrência de estudos com número reduzido de amostras, falta de dados subsidiários de pacientes em tratamento e ocorrência de seleção não randomizada. Os resultados sugerem a necessidade de novas investigações para fins de incrementos tecnológicos, identificação de fatores de risco, intervenção terapêutica e investigação clínica avançada, de forma a fomentar práticas assistenciais em saúde baseadas em evidências.(AU)

Justificación y Objetivo: la hepatitis B es una enfermedad infecciosa contagiosa causada por un virus de la familia hepadnaviridae, de distribución mundial, y representa un grave problema de salud mundial. Su patología puede haberse visto afectada por la pandemia de COVID-19, provocada por el virus SARS-CoV-2, y son posibles desenlaces graves cuando se superponen tipos virales. Este estudio buscó describir los niveles de evidencia científica de las investigaciones realizadas sobre el tema, estableciendo una relación entre la infección por el virus de la hepatitis B y la infección por el SARS-CoV-2. Contenido: revisión integradora de la literatura, con búsquedas realizadas en las bases de datos Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online y Scientific Electronic Library Online, con un análisis centrado en la descripción del diseño metodológico y en la clasificación del nivel de evidencia. Conclusión: la producción científica sobre la hepatitis B asociada a la infección por SARS-CoV-2 corresponde, en su mayoría, a investigaciones con bajo nivel de evidencia. Las publicaciones seleccionadas presentaron limitaciones como la ocurrencia de estudios con un número reducido de muestras, la falta de datos subsidiarios de los pacientes en tratamiento y la ocurrencia de selección no aleatoria. Los resultados sugieren la necesidad de seguir investigando para mejorar la tecnología, identificar los factores de riesgo, intervenir terapéuticamente y realizar investigación clínica avanzada, con el fin de promover prácticas sanitarias basadas en la evidencia.(AU)

Epidemiología de infección por hepatitis B y C en personas con VIH/SIDA. Villa Clara 1986-2021 / Epidemiology of hepatitis B and C infection in people with HIV/AIDS. Villa Clara 1986-2021

Se realizó un estudio observacional descriptivo retrospectivo con el objetivo de caracterizar la infección por hepatitis B y C en pacientes seropositivos al VIH de la provincia Villa Clara, durante el período del 1 de enero de 1986 al 31 de diciembre de 2021. Esta coinfección se presentó con mayor frecuencia en pacientes adultos del sexo masculino de 60 años en adelante (22 casos, 18,48 %), seguido de pacientes con las edades 50-54 años (21, 17,64 %). Santa Clara fue el municipio de mayor prevalencia (25, 21%). Los factores de riesgo asociados fueron: la conducta sexual de riesgo (81 casos, 68,06%) y estado civil soltero (65, 54,62 %); predominó el nivel de escolaridad secundaria básica (53, 44,53 %); en la ocupación, amas de casa (42, 35,29 %) y desocupados (34, 28,57 %). En el 70,58 % de los casos, les fue diagnosticada la coinfección en el mismo año.

A retrospective, descriptive and observational study was carried out with the aim of characterizing hepatitis B and C infection in HIV seropositive patients in Villa Clara province from January 1, 1986 to December 31, 2021. This coinfection occurred more frequently in adult male patients, between 60 years and older (22 cases, 18.48%), followed by patients aged 50-54 years (21, 17.64%). Santa Clara was the municipality with the highest prevalence (25 cases, 21%). The associated risk factors were risky sexual behaviour (81 cases, 68.06%) and single marital status (65, 54.62%); secondary school level predominated (53, 44.53%); as well as, housewives (42, 35.29%) and unemployed people (34, 28.57%). The coinfection was diagnosed in 70.58% of the cases in the same year.

Serological and vaccine evaluation for hepatitis B among Community Health Workers / Avaliação sorológica e vacinal para hepatite B entre Agentes Comunitários de Saúde / Evaluación serológica y vacuna para la hepatitis B entre Agentes Comunitarios de Salud

Abstract Objective: to identify the vaccination and serological status against hepatitis B among community health workers; to vaccinate against hepatitis B virus and to evaluate the immune response of susceptible workers. Method: phase I, cross-sectional and descriptive study, among community health workers in a capital city of the Midwest region, through a self-administered questionnaire, checking of vaccination cards, and blood collection for testing of serological markers for hepatitis B. Phase II, cohort study carried out in vaccinated non-immune workers identified in phase I. They received one dose of vaccine (challenge dose) and serological testing. Results: a total of 109 workers participated in the study. Most had vaccination record (97; 89.0%) and vaccination completeness (75; 77.3%), while the isolated anti-HBs (Antibodies against hepatitis B virus) marker was detected in 78 (71.6%) workers. The prevalence of hepatitis B virus exposure was 8.2%. Of the ten non-immune vaccinated workers, after challenge dose, one remained susceptible. Conclusion: although most workers are vaccinated and show immunological response to hepatitis B, susceptibility after challenge dose was identified. Therefore, it is necessary to have a surveillance program of the vaccination situation and serological status for this virus, to promote these workers' safety.

Resumo Objetivo: identificar a situação vacinal e sorológica contra hepatite B entre agentes comunitários de saúde; vacinar contra o vírus da hepatite B e avaliar a resposta imunológica dos agentes susceptíveis. Método: fase I, estudo transversal e descritivo, entre agentes comunitários de saúde de uma capital da região Centro-oeste, por meio de questionário autoaplicável, conferência do cartão vacinal e coleta de sangue para testagem dos marcadores sorológicos para hepatite B. Fase II, estudo de coorte realizado em trabalhadores vacinados não imunes e identificados na fase I. Estes receberam uma dose da vacina (dose desafio) e teste sorológico. Resultados: participaram do estudo 109 agentes. A maioria tinha registro de vacinação (97; 89,0%) e completude vacinal (75; 77,3%), já o marcador anti-HBs (anticorpos contra o vírus da hepatite B) isolado foi detectado em 78 (71,6%) agentes. A prevalência de exposição ao vírus da hepatite B foi de 8,2%. Dos dez agentes vacinados não imunes, após a dose desafio, um permaneceu susceptível. Conclusão: apesar da maioria dos trabalhadores estarem vacinados e apresentarem resposta imunológica para hepatite B, a suscetibilidade após a dose desafio foi identificada. Portanto, é necessário que haja um programa de vigilância da situação vacinal e estado sorológico para este vírus, para promover a segurança destes trabalhadores.

Resumen Objetivo: identificar la situación de la vacunación y serología contra la hepatitis B entre agentes comunitarios de la salud, vacunar contra el virus de la hepatitis B y evaluar la respuesta inmunológica de los agentes susceptibles. Método: fase I, estudio transversal y descriptivo, entre agentes comunitarios de la salud de una capital de la región centro oeste, por medio de cuestionario autoadministrado, verificación del carné de vacunación y extracción de sangre para comprobar los marcadores serológicos para la hepatitis B. Fase II, estudio de cohorte realizado en trabajadores vacunados no inmunes e identificados en la Fase I; estos recibieron una dosis de la vacuna (dosis de desafío) y realizaron el test serológico. Resultados: participaron del estudio 109 agentes. La mayoría tenía registro de vacunación (97; 89,0%) y de cobertura de vacunación (75; 77,3%); el marcador anti-HBs (Anticuerpos contra el virus de la hepatitis B) aislado fue detectado en 78 (71,6%) de los agentes. La prevalencia de exposición al virus de la hepatitis B fue de 8,2%. De los diez agentes vacunados no inmunes, después de la dosis desafío, uno permaneció susceptible. Conclusión: a pesar de que la mayoría de los trabajadores estaban vacunados y presentaron respuesta inmunológica para la hepatitis B, la susceptibilidad, después de la dosis desafío, fue identificada. Por tanto, es necesario que exista un programa de vigilancia de la situación de vacunación y estado serológico para este virus, para promover la seguridad de estos trabajadores.

Sífilis, VIH y hepatitis B en el binomio madre-hijo. Caracterización de casos atendidos en centros de tercer nivel del interior de Córdoba / Syphilis, HIV and hepatitis B in the Mother-Child binomial

ntroducción: Las infecciones perinatales pueden transmi-tirse al feto y al recién nacido. Sífilis, VIH y hepatitis B deben tamizarse durante la gestación.Objetivo: Conocer la incidencia, prevalencia y manejo de sífilis, VIH y hepatitis B en el binomio madre/hijo. Comparar resultados con estadísticas oficiales.Materiales y métodos: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo y analítico, mediante revisión de historias clínicas del Sana-torio de la Cañada y Hospital Pasteur, Villa María, Córdoba. Período 01/12/2020 al 31/07/2021. Resultados: Se estudiaron 870 embarazos, la incidencia de sífilis materna fue 52,87/1000 embarazos, 76,1% de las gestantes eran menores de 30 años y hubo 41% de diag-nósticos tardíos. La incidencia de sífilis congénita fue de 18,3/1000 RN vivos. La incidencia de VIH materno fue de 6,89/1000 embarazos, 66,7% tenían menos de 30 años y el 77,7% tuvo carga viral indetectable al parto. El 100% de los RN expuestos fueron estudiados, todos con carga viral indetectable al nacimien-to. No hubo casos de hepatitis B.Conclusión: 6,3% de las embarazadas presentaron al me-nos una serología reactiva y el mayor porcentaje diagnós-tico se centró en menores de 30 años. La incidencia de sífilis congénita superó la provincial y nacional (18,3 vs. 1,18 vs. 1,14). El porcentaje de positividad de VIH materno superó al provincial. No hubo transmisión vertical de VIH al nacimiento. La prevalencia de hepatitis B fue menor a las oficiales

Introduction: Perinatal infections can be transmitted to the fetus and new-born. Syphilis, HIV and Hepatitis B must be monitored during pregnancy.Objective: To know incidence, prevalence and management of syphilis, HIV and Hepatitis B in the mother/child binomial. To compare results with official statistics.Materials and methods: Retrospective, descriptive and analytical study, through the review of medical records from Sanatorio La Cañada and Hospital Pasteur in Villa Maria, Cordoba. Period 12/01/2020 to 07/31/2021.Results 870 pregnancies were studied, the incidence of maternal syphilis was 57.87/1000 pregnancies, 76.1% of pregnant women were under 30 years old, and there were 41% late diagnoses. The incidence of congenital syphilis was 18.3/1000 live newborns. The incidence of maternal HIV was 6.89/1000 pregnancies, 66.7% were women under 30 years old and 77.7% had undetectable viral load at birth. 100% of the exposed newborns were studied, all with undetectable viral load at birth. There were no cases of Hepatitis B.Conclusion: 6.3% of pregnant women presented at least one reactive serology and the highest diagnostic percentage was focused on those under 30 years old. The incidence of congenital syphilis exceeded the provincial and national data (18.3 vs 1.18 vs 1.14). The percentage of maternal HIV positivity was superior to the provincial one. There was no vertical transmission of HIV at birth. The prevalence of Hepatitis B was less than the official ones.

Reporte de caso: vasculitis leucocitoclastica como forma de presentación de hepatitis b crónica / Case report: leukocytoclastic vasculitis as presenting manifestation of chronic hepatitis b virus infection

La vasculitis leucocitoclástica, también denominada angeitis cutánea leucocitoclástica, es la forma más común de vasculitis. Si bien la mayoría de los casos son idiopáticos, entre los agentes etiológicos que podemos nombrar se encuentran los agentes infecciosos, las enfermedades del tejido conectivos, las reacciones de hipersensibilidad a medicamentos y las neoplasias solidas o hematológicas. Si bien los procesos infecciosos son una causa conocida de vasculitis leucocitoclástica, la infección por virus de Virus de hepatitis B (VHB) es muy infrecuente. Presentamos una mujer de 47 años, sin antecedentes patológicos previos, que consultó por artralgias en rodillas y tobillos, mialgias en gemelos y rash purpúrico con leve prurito en ambos miembros inferiores, de un mes de evolución. La biopsia cutánea de las lesiones de miembros inferiores fue compatible con vasculitis leucocitoclástica. La serología de hepatitis B fue positiva por lo que inició tratamiento antiviral con Tenofovir y Prednisona con buena evolución de sus lesiones cutáneas

Leukocytoclastic vasculitis, also called leukocytoclastic cutaneous angiitis, is the most common form of vasculitis. Although most cases are idiopathic, etiologic agents include infectious agents, connective tissue diseases, drug hypersensitivity reactions, and solid or hematologic malignancies. Although infectious processes are a known cause of leukocytoclastic vasculitis, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is very rare. We present a 47-year-old woman, with no previous pathologic history, who consulted for arthralgias in the knees and ankles, myalgia's and purpuric rash with mild pruritus in both lower limbs, of one month evolution. Skin biopsy of lower extremity lesions was compatible with leukocytoclastic vasculitis. Hepatitis B serology was positive, so she started antiviral treatment with tenofovir and prednisone with good evolution of her skin lesions

Hepatitis B induced fulminant liver failure: A call for prevention

Acute fulminant hepatic failure is a condition in which a healthy liver deteriorates rapidly following an insult, resulting in the impairment of its synthetic functions. This condition is rare and is associated with high fatality rates. We report the case of a 19-year-old male who was brought to the emergency room in an unconscious state with jaundice and persistent fever for 2–3 weeks after recently commencing intravenous use of morphine. He was found to be hepatitis B surface antigen reactive, and his laboratory tests indicated severe liver dysfunction with elevated levels of serum bilirubin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, and International normalized ratio. The patient was diagnosed with fulminant liver failure with coagulopathy and hepatic encephalopathy. The patient’s family was addressed and counseled regarding the urgent need for liver transplantation. However, due to a lack of funds and insurance, supportive treatment was the only option left. Despite all supportive measures, the patient expired within 48 h. This case highlights the importance of various socioeconomic issues involved with liver transplantation, as in a resource-limited setting, urgent transplantation seems nearly impossible. In addition, this case report raises certain ethical issues that need consideration, particularly in an injection drug use scenario. It also highlights the importance of addressing the rising issue of injection drug use among youth, particularly in the regions of Punjab.

A autonomia do adolescente em relação ao direto de imunização contra infecções sexualmente transmissíveis: revisão bibliográfica / La autonomía de los adolescentes en relación con la inmunización directa contra las infecciones de transmisión sexual: revisión bibliográfica / The autonomy of adolescents in relation to the direct of immunization against sexually transmitted infections: bibliographic review

O presente estudo trata-se de uma análise na literatura sobre o aspecto bioético da autonomia em relação a imunização contra Hepatite B e HPV na adolescência. Foi realizada uma revisão bibliográfica baseada no método prisma onde foram incluídos artigos em português e inglês os quais foram pesquisados nas plataformas Scientific Electronic Library Online (SciELO), Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS) e National Library of Medicine (PUBMED), utilizando os seguintes descritores Hepatitis B Vaccines, bioethics, Humans. Os resultados demostraram a eficiência dos profissionais de saúde no contato com o indivíduo e o convencimento deste através de um diálogo aberto e criação de vínculos. Evidenciou-se ainda o estudo evidenciou o direito a autonomia progressiva do paciente, no qual este ganha o direito a algumas escolhas como as imunizações de doenças sexualmente transmissíveis, como é o caso da Hepatite B e HPV, no entanto é necessário que o adolescente seja instruído sobre a imunização. Assim sendo, reconhece-se o direito a autonomia progressiva do adolescente, referente a escolha das imunizações contra a Hepatite B e HPV, entretanto, deve-se considerar que estes indivíduos sejam instruídos sobre os benefícios individuais e/ou coletivos da vacinação, contemplados por atividades de educação em saúde por profissionais qualificados, objetivando ampliar a cobertura global de imunização com doenças que caracterizam problemas de saúde pública.

El presente estudio es un análisis de la literatura sobre el aspecto bioético de la autonomía en relación con la inmunización contra la Hepatitis B y el VPH en la adolescencia. Se realizó una revisión bibliográfica basada en el método del prisma, que incluyó artículos en portugués e inglés que fueron buscados en la Biblioteca Científica Electrónica en Línea (SciELO), Literatura Latinoamericana y del Caribe en Ciencias de la Salud (LILACS) y la Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina (PUBMED), utilizando los siguientes descriptores Vacunas Hepatitis B, bioética, Humanos. Los resultados demostraron la eficiencia de los profesionales de la salud en contactar al individuo y convencerlo a través de un diálogo abierto y creación de vínculos. También se evidenció que el estudio evidenció el derecho del paciente a la autonomía progresiva, en la que adquiere el derecho a algunas opciones como las inmunizaciones de enfermedades de transmisión sexual, como la Hepatitis B y el VPH, sin embargo, es necesario que el adolescente sea educado sobre la inmunización. Por lo tanto, se reconoce el derecho del adolescente a la autonomía progresiva, en cuanto a la elección de las vacunas contra la Hepatitis B y el VPH, sin embargo, se debe considerar que estos individuos sean educados sobre los beneficios individuales y/o colectivos de la vacunación, contemplados por las actividades de educación en salud por profesionales calificados, con el objetivo de ampliar la cobertura mundial de inmunización con enfermedades que caracterizan los problemas de salud pública.

The present study is an analysis of the literature on the bioethical aspect of autonomy in relation to immunization against Hepatitis B and HPV in adolescence. A bibliographic review was carried out based on the prism method, which included articles in Portuguese and English which were searched on the Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO), Latin American and Caribbean Literature on Health Sciences (LILACS) and the National Library of Medicine (PUBMED), using the following descriptors Hepatitis B Vaccines, bioethics, Humans. The results demonstrated the efficiency of health professionals in contacting the individual and convincing him/her through an open dialogue and creation of bonds. It was also evidenced the study evidenced the patient's right to progressive autonomy, in which he gains the right to some choices such as immunizations of sexually transmitted diseases, such as Hepatitis B and HPV, however it is necessary for the adolescent to be educated about immunization. Therefore, the adolescent's right to progressive autonomy is recognized, regarding the choice of immunizations against Hepatitis B and HPV, however, it must be considered that these individuals are instructed on the individual and/or collective benefits of vaccination, contemplated by health education activities by qualified professionals, aiming to expand the global coverage of immunization with diseases that characterize public health problems.

Abordagem epidemiológica e considerações bioéticas sobre a infecção pelo vírus da hepatite b em crianças e adolescentes no estado do acre, Brasil / Enfoque epidemiológico y consideraciones bioéticas sobre la infección por el virus de la hepatitis b en niños y adolescentes en el estado de Acre, Brasil / Epidemiological approach and bioethical considerations on hepatitis b virus infection in children and adolescents in the state of Acre, Brazi

O estudo investiga os aspectos epidemiológicos da hepatite B em crianças e adolescentes, discutindo os resultados encontrados à luz dos princípios da bioética. Trata-se de um estudo transversal, retrospectivo, com base em uma série temporal de casos, cujos dados de notificação foram extraídos do Sistema de Informação de Agravos de Notificação (SINAN) e dados de vacinação do Sistema de Informação do Programa Nacional de Imunizações - SIPNI, no período de 2011 a 2020. Foram notificados 889 casos de hepatite B na população de estudo. A maioria dos participantes encontravam-se na faixa etária de 15 a 19 anos 738 (83%), do sexo feminino 549 (62%), cor da pele parda 637 (72%) residentes na zona urbana 490 (55%) e com ensino fundamental incompleto 279 (31%). A provável fonte de infecção foi por via sexual 450 (51%). A forma clínica mais comum foi a Hepatite Crônica 496 (56%). A maioria dos contaminados com Hepatite B foram indivíduos não vacinados 298 (34%). A luz da bioética os resultados demostram que a prática da vacinação pode contemplar os princípios bioéticos, já que o grau de autonomia depende de um tipo de intervenção planejada e quanto maior a relação entre benefício e ônus, tendo em conta os princípios de beneficência e não maleficência, menos decisiva é essa autonomia.

El estudio investiga los aspectos epidemiológicos de la hepatitis B en niños y adolescentes, discutiendo los resultados encontrados a la luz de los principios bioéticos. Se trata de un estudio transversal, retrospectivo, basado en una serie temporal de casos, cuyos datos de notificación fueron extraídos del Sistema de Información de Enfermedades de Declaración Obligatoria (SINAN) y datos de vacunación del Sistema de Información del Programa Nacional de Inmunizaciones SIPNI, desde 2011 hasta 2020. Se informaron 889 casos de hepatitis B en la población de estudio. La mayoría de los participantes tenían entre 15 y 19 años 738 (83 %), sexo femenino 549 (62 %), color de piel morena 637 (72 %), residentes en zona urbana 490 (55 ) y con educación primaria incompleta 279 (31 %). La fuente probable de infección fue a través de relaciones sexuales 450 (51%). La forma clínica más frecuente fue la Hepatitis Crónica 496 (56%). La mayoría de los infectados con Hepatitis B eran individuos no vacunados 298 (34%). A la luz de la bioética, los resultados muestran que la práctica de la vacunación puede contemplar principios bioéticos, ya que el grado de autonomía depende de un tipo de intervención planificada y mayor la relación entre beneficio y carga, teniendo en cuenta los principios de beneficencia y no maleficencia, menos decisiva es esta autonomía.

The study investigates the epidemiological aspects of hepatitis B in children and adolescents, discussing the results found in the light of bioethical principles. This is a cross-sectional, retrospective study, based on a time series of cases, whose notification data were extracted from the Notifiable Diseases Information System (SINAN) and vaccination data from the National Immunization Program Information System SIPNI, from 2011 to 2020. 889 cases of hepatitis B were reported in the study population. Most participants were aged between 15 and 19 years old 738 (83%), female 549 (62%), brown skin color 637 (72%) living in the urban area 490 (55%) and with incomplete elementary education 279 (31%). The probable source of infection was through sexual intercourse 450 (51%). The most common clinical form was Chronic Hepatitis 496 (56%). Most of those infected with Hepatitis B were unvaccinated individuals 298 (34%). In the light of bioethics, the results show that the practice of vaccination can contemplate bioethical principles, since the degree of autonomy depends on a type of planned intervention and the greater the relationship between benefit and burden, taking into account the principles of beneficence and not maleficence, the less decisive is this autonomy.

Predição de carcinoma hepatocelular através do escore PAGE-B modificado (mPAGE-B) em pacientes com hepatite B crônica: deve ser utilizado na prática clínica? / Prediction of hepatocellular carcinoma through the modified page-b score (mpage-b) in patients with chronic hepatitis b: it should be used in clinical practice?

ABSTRACT Background: Persistent hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) alone, that is, without the development of previous cirrhosis, which makes it of paramount importance to predict the risk patients with chronic hepatitis B have for developing HCC in the future. Thus, the mPAGE-B score was developed in order to predict very low risks of HCC, becoming an important score, since with low risk, patient surveillance can be spread out. Objective: The main objective of this study was to predict the risk of HCC according to the mPAGE-B score for patients with chronic hepatitis B, using antiviral therapy. Methods: A cross-sectional, descriptive, quantitative, and retrospective study was conducted. Patients with chronic hepatitis B from the Hepatology Outpatient Clinic of the Federal University of the Fronteira Sul/HCPF in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, covering a period of 12 years, were analyzed. Results: Of the 67 patients submitted to data collection, the mean age at diagnosis was 51.4 (±12.1) years, with a predominance of males (76.1%-n.51). All patients were HBeAg negative at diagnosis and 11 (16.4%) had cirrhosis. Regarding the antiviral regimen, 70.1% used tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and 29.9% entecavir (ETV). According to m-PAGE-B stratification, 18 (25%) patients were classified as low-risk, 30 (41.7%) as intermediate-risk, and 19 (26.4%) as high-risk of developing HCC. The probability of developing HCC of these 67 patients in 3 years was 0.4% for low, 2.8% for moderate, and 9% for high risk. In 5 years, the probability was 0.5% for low, 4.4% for moderate, and 14% for high risk. Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the mPAGE-B score can be applied to decrease the number of consultations of patients with chronic hepatitis B in specialized outpatient clinics and, based on this population, patients aged ≤40 years may have one consultation per year instead of semi-annual.

RESUMO Contexto: A infecção persistente do vírus da hepatite B (HBV) pode levar ao carcinoma hepatocelular (CHC) de forma independente, ou seja, sem o desenvolvimento de cirrose anteriormente, o que torna de suma importância predizer o risco que os pacientes com hepatite B crônica têm para desenvolver CHC no futuro. Assim, o escore mPAGE-B surgiu com o intuito de prever riscos baixos de CHC, tornando-se um escore de extrema relevância, uma vez que diante de risco baixo, pode-se espaçar a vigilância do paciente. Objetivo: O principal objetivo deste trabalho é predizer o risco de CHC, conforme o escore mPAGE-B, para os pacientes com hepatite B crônica em uso de terapia antiviral. Métodos: Foi realizado um estudo transversal, descritivo, quantitativo e retrospectivo. Foram analisados pacientes com hepatite B crônica do ambulatório de hepatologia, da Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul/HCPF, em Passo Fundo, no Rio Grande do Sul, abrangendo um período de 12 anos. Resultados: Dos 67 pacientes submetidos à coleta de dados, a média de idade no diagnóstico foi 51,4 (±12,1) anos, com uma predominância do sexo masculino (76,1%-n.51). Todos os pacientes eram HBeAg negativos no diagnóstico e 11 (16,4%) tinham cirrose. Conforme a estratificação do mPAGE-B, 18 pacientes (25%) foram classificados como de baixo risco, 30 (41,7%) como risco intermediário, e 19 (26,4%) como alto risco de desenvolver CHC. A probabilidade de desenvolver CHC desses 67 pacientes em 3 anos é de 0,4% para risco leve, 2,8% para moderado e 9% para alto. Em 5 anos, a probabilidade é de 0,5% para risco leve, 4,4% para moderado e 14% para alto. Conclusão: Este estudo demonstra que o mPAGE-B pode ser um escore aplicado para diminuir o número de consultas de pacientes com hepatite B crônica em ambulatórios especializados e, baseado nessa população, talvez os pacientes com idade ≤40 anos possam ter uma consulta por ano ao invés de ser semestralmente.

Development of Immunity to Hepatitis B Virus Following Hepatitis B Vaccination in Hemodialysis Patient

Background: Hepatitis B infection is common in Dialysis population. Hemodialysis patients have high risk of hepatitis B virus transmission not only due to frequent blood or blood product transmission, decreased response to Hepatitis B vaccine and length on hemodialysis but also due to their immunosuppressed state. Hepatitis B vaccination has the potential to reduce the risk of HBsAg infection in dialysis units. Effective vaccination, blood donor screening, the use of erythropoietin and the isolation of HBV carriers have successfully regulated HBV infection in hemodialysis units (1). This study aims to assess the immunity to HBV & the seroconversion of HBsAg infection in hemodialysis unit. This retrospective observational study evaluated serological markers, hepatitis B vaccination status and co morbidities which can affect the immunity levels of patients undergoing hemodialysis. The patient’s data were collected from laboratory investigations and patient record for analysis. Out of 153 CKD-5D patients on maintenance hemodialysis, 39 patients had anti HBs titer <10U/ml, 30 patients had anti HBs titer between 10-100U/ml, 38 patients had anti HBs titer between100-1000 U/ml, 21 patients had anti HBs titer >1000U/ml and 24 patients didn’t check their titer value. Hypertension was the common co morbidity followed by anaemia and diabetes mellitus.