A predictive model for hepatitis B infection among high‐risk adults using a community‐based sample in greater Philadelphia

Abstract

Liver cancer is the 3rd deadliest cancer worldwide, with 5-year survival rates of only 15%. 1 There are few effective treatments for liver cancer, and we therefore must rely on prevention and early detection in order to save lives. 1 Approximately 78% of hepatocellular carcinomas, a form of primary liver cancer, are attributable to hepatitis B (HBV) infection. 2 Unfortunately, HBV infections are often asymptomatic for decades as liver damage progresses and liver cancers develop. 3 Given the asymptomatic nature of HBV, screening is essential to identify those infected and at risk for liver cancers. Once infection is identified, antiviral treatments can prevent additional liver damage from HBV. Antiviral therapy can reduce the risk of cancer development, and regular monitoring for liver cancer can identify

The importance of triple panel testing for hepatitis B and the burden of isolated anti-hepatitis B core antibodies within a community sample

“…A prior study in 2020 of high-risk individuals in Philadelphia showed the prevalence of the protective anti-HBs to be 59% and the prevalence of the HBsAg, indicating an active infection, to be 7.9%. 19 The prior study's prevalence remains consistent with our findings of 58% with anti-HBs. The prevalence of those currently infected with HBV is again similar at 6.8%.…”

“…The demographic survey analysis methodology was previously validated in HBV community screening events. 19 The screening events in this study targeted communities that are known to have a high burden of HBV infection. Demographic survey contents included questions on age, gender, country of origin, insurance status, provider status, past HBV screening, vaccination, and any family history of HBV or liver cancer.…”

Implementation and outcomes of a remote hepatitis B screening program designed to overcome COVID‐19 pandemic‐related disruptions to community‐based screenings for Asians in Greater Philadelphia: A descriptive study

“…Consistent with our prior work, the study findings suggest there is a high prevalence of hepatitis B among Asians in Greater Philadelphia, high exposure to hepatitis B (as demonstrated by HBsAg and HBcAb), and the need to continue prioritizing this population for hepatitis B and liver cancer prevention efforts. 2 …”

“…Previously, the Hepatitis B Foundation (HBF), which aims to find a cure for the disease and improve quality of life for those impacted, reported that the prevalence of hepatitis B infection in a community sample from Greater Philadelphia comprised predominantly of first‐generation Americans from the Western Pacific Region was 7.9%. 2 Greater Philadelphia is a region composed of five counties and includes the City of Philadelphia. Within the City of Philadelphia, the sixth‐largest city in the US, more than one‐third of chronic hepatitis B infections are found in Asians, 3 who make up about 8% of the population.…”

Inverse relationship between HBV DNA levels and liver histopathological changes in immune‐tolerant CHB patients

“…[10][11][12] To the best of our current knowledge, HBV DNA levels served as an autonomous risk factor for HCC, with higher levels of HBV DNA demonstrating a positive correlation with the likelihood of developing HCC. [13][14][15] Yet, recent studies revealed that the relationship between HBV DNA and HCC was inverse in IT phase, and the risk of HCC in patients with HBV DNA levels between 10 5 and 10 7 copies/mL was higher than those with persistent HBV DNA levels >10 7 copies/mL. 12,16 The underlying mechanism behind this correlation remained uncertain.…”