Source

Division of Viral Hepatitis National Center for HIV, Hepatitis, STD, and TB Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA.

Abstract

Background. The Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS), a dynamic prospective, longitudinal, observational cohort study, was created to assess the clinical impact of chronic viral hepatitis in the United States. This report describes the cohort selection process and baseline demographics, insurance, biopsy, hospitalization and mortality rates.Methods. Electronic health records (EHR) of over 1.6 million adult patients seen January 2006 - December 2010 at four integrated health care systems in Detroit, MI, Danville, PA, Portland, OR, and Honolulu, HI were collected and analyzed.Results. Of 2202 patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection: 50% were aged 44-63; 57% male; 58% Asian/Pacific Islanders (API), and 13% Black; and 5.1% were on Medicaid, 16.5% had Medicare, and 76.3% private insurance. During 2001-2010, 22.3% had a liver biopsy and 37.9% were hospitalized. For the 8810 patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection: 75% were aged 44-63 years; 60% male; 23% Black; and 12% were on Medicaid, 23% Medicare, and 62% had private insurance. During 2001-2010, 38.4% had a liver biopsy and 44.3% were hospitalized. Among persons in care, 9.0% of persons with HBV and 14.0% of persons with HCV infection, mainly those born 1945-1964, died during the 2006-10 five-year period.Conclusions. Baseline demographic, hospitalization, and mortality data from CHeCS highlight the substantial US health burden from chronic viral hepatitis, particularly among persons born 1945-1964.