Laboratory Profile of Hepatitis B and C in Users of a Reference Service

September 4, 2008 updated by: UPECLIN HC FM Botucatu Unesp
Chronic hepatitis by the B virus (HBV) and/or by the C virus (HCV) is a major public-health problem since it presents a long phase of clinical latency which makes its early diagnosis difficult and results in the development of a large number of cases to complications such as cirrhosis, hepatic insufficiency and hepatocarcinoma. In Brazil, it is estimated that the number of HBV is two million, of which 72 thousand have been reported. As regards HCV, the ratio is one of three million estimated cases to 52 thousand reports. Learning about the serological profile of the users of a viral hepatitis reference service is fundamental for the planning of diagnostic and caregiving actions; therefore, it is the objective of this study.

Study Overview

Detailed Description

Chronic hepatitis by virus B (HVB) and/or by virus C (HVC) is a major public-health problem since it presents a long phase of clinical latency which makes its early diagnosis difficult and results in the development of a large number of cases to complications such as cirrhosis, hepatic insufficiency and hepatocarcinoma. In Brazil, it is estimated that the number of HVB patients is two million, but only 72 thousand have been reported. As regards HVC, the ratio is three million estimated cases to 52 thousand reports. Learning about the serological profile of the users of a viral hepatitis reference service is essential for the planning of diagnostic and therapeutic actions; therefore, it is the objective of this study.

Five hundred and thirty-one HVB and HVC serological profiles of the patients referred to SAE/HD within a period of 18 months (January 2006 to June 2007) were studied by means of retrospective analysis. The patients were classified as: a) HBV: carrier, cure, isolated anti-HBc and vaccinated; b) HVC: reagent anti-HVC; c) HBV/HVC co-infection: AgHBs and reagent anti-HVC; and d) Susceptible: non-reagent serology.

As regards HBV, the following were found from the total number of patients: carriers, 12.6%; cure, 18.9%; isolated anti-HBc, 9.0% and vaccinated, 6.2%. The patients with reagent anti-HVC comprised 31.3% of the total number of individuals. HBV/HCV co-infection was 0.6%. Susceptible individuals comprised 20.5%.

It was concluded that approximately 45% of the referred patients carried chronic infection by B and/or C virus, a condition which requires additional investigation and, in many instances, specific treatment. Strategies for early diagnosis are essential in order to prevent the intrinsic complications of such condition.

Study Type

Observational

Enrollment (Actual)

531

Contacts and Locations

This section provides the contact details for those conducting the study, and information on where this study is being conducted.

Study Locations

    • Sao Paulo
      • Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 18618970
        • SAE e Hospital Dia de Aids
      • Botucatu, Sao Paulo, Brazil, 18618970
        • SAE e Hospital Dia

Participation Criteria

Researchers look for people who fit a certain description, called eligibility criteria. Some examples of these criteria are a person's general health condition or prior treatments.

Eligibility Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study

18 years and older (Adult, Older Adult)

Accepts Healthy Volunteers

No

Genders Eligible for Study

All

Sampling Method

Probability Sample

Study Population

Patients with laboratory tests positive for hepatitis B and/or C

Description

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Patients with laboratory tests positive for hepatitis B and/or C

Exclusion Criteria:

  • No laboratory tests available

Study Plan

This section provides details of the study plan, including how the study is designed and what the study is measuring.

How is the study designed?

Design Details

Cohorts and Interventions

Group / Cohort
1
HBV: Carrier
2
HBV: cure
3
HBV: isolate anti-HBc
4
HBV: vaccinated
5
HCV: anti-HCV positive test
6
HBV/HCV co-infection
7
Susceptible individuals

Collaborators and Investigators

This is where you will find people and organizations involved with this study.

Investigators

  • Principal Investigator: Alexandre N Barbosa, MD, MSc, SAE e Hospital Dia de Aids

Study record dates

These dates track the progress of study record and summary results submissions to ClinicalTrials.gov. Study records and reported results are reviewed by the National Library of Medicine (NLM) to make sure they meet specific quality control standards before being posted on the public website.

Study Major Dates

Study Start

June 1, 2007

Study Completion (Actual)

August 1, 2007

Study Registration Dates

First Submitted

August 6, 2007

First Submitted That Met QC Criteria

August 7, 2007

First Posted (Estimate)

August 8, 2007

Study Record Updates

Last Update Posted (Estimate)

September 5, 2008

Last Update Submitted That Met QC Criteria

September 4, 2008

Last Verified

September 1, 2008

More Information

This information was retrieved directly from the website clinicaltrials.gov without any changes. If you have any requests to change, remove or update your study details, please contact register@clinicaltrials.gov. As soon as a change is implemented on clinicaltrials.gov, this will be updated automatically on our website as well.

Clinical Trials on Hepatitis B, Chronic

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