Characteristics of Hepatitis B Infection in a Sample of Omani Patients
Journal Title: Sultan Qaboos University Medical Journal - Year 2013, Vol 13, Issue 3
Abstract
Objectives: Tis study aimed to describe the demographic and virological characteristics of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a sample of Omani patients, and indirectly assess the efcacy of hepatitis B vaccination programmes and catch-up strategies. Methods: A retrospective study was undertaken of all patients with chronic HBV infections evaluated and followed-up at the Hepatology Clinic of the Armed Forces Hospital (AFH), Muscat, Oman, between January 2009 and April 2011. Results: A total of 154 patients met the inclusion criteria. Te mean age of infected patients was 33 years with 72.7% being over 27 years. Females constituted 47.7% of the patients. Half of the cohort was referred either from the AFH’s Obstetric Clinic (29.2%) or its Blood Bank (22.1%). A family history of chronic HBV infection was present in 70% of patients. A total of 95% had positive hepatitis B surface antigens, while only 5% had isolated total hepatitis B core antibodies. Most patients (96%) were hepatitis B e-antigen-negative. Te majority (77.9%) had low HBV dioribonucleic acid levels of <2,000 IU/ml. Radiological features of liver cirrhosis were observed in 5%. Patients requiring treatment were in the minority (9%). Conclusion: Almost 50% of the infected patients were female, the majority being of childbearing age. Medical authorities in Oman should consider enforcing a screening policy for all pregnant women using complete hepatitis B serological testing.
Authors and Affiliations
Khalid Al-Naamani| Department of Medicine, Armed Forces Hospital, Muscat, Oman, Ali Al-Maqbali| Department of Medicine, Oman Medical Specialty Board, Muscat, Oman, Siham Al-Sinani| Department of Child Health, Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, Muscat, Oman
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