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Abstract Details
Gaps and Disparities in Chronic Hepatitis B Monitoring and Treatment in the United States, 2016-2019
Med Care. 2023 Apr 1;61(4):247-253. doi: 10.1097/MLR.0000000000001825. Epub 2023 Feb 3.
1Asian Liver Center, Department of Surgery, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA.
2Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI.
3Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Atlanta, GA.
4Department of Health Policy, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA.
Abstract
Background: Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) carries an increased risk of death from cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases recommends patients with CHB receive monitoring of disease activity, including ALT, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg), and liver imaging for patients who experience an increased risk for HCC. HBV antiviral therapy is recommended for patients with active hepatitis and cirrhosis.
Methods: Monitoring and treatment of adults with new CHB diagnoses were analyzed using Optum Clinformatics Data Mart Database claims data from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2019.
Results: Among 5978 patients with new CHB diagnosis, only 56% with cirrhosis and 50% without cirrhosis had claims for≥1 ALT and either HBV DNA or HBeAg test, and among patients recommended for HCC surveillance, 82% with cirrhosis and 57% without cirrhosis had claims for≥1 liver imaging within 12 months of diagnosis. Although antiviral treatment is recommended for patients with cirrhosis, only 29% of patients with cirrhosis had≥1 claim for HBV antiviral therapy within 12 months of CHB diagnosis. Multivariable analysis showed patients who were male, Asian, privately insured, or had cirrhosis were more likely (P<0.05) to receive ALT and either HBV DNA or HBeAg tests and HBV antiviral therapy within 12 months of diagnosis.
Conclusion: Many patients diagnosed with CHB are not receiving the clinical assessment and treatment recommended. A comprehensive initiative is needed to address the patient, provider, and system-related barriers to improve the clinical management of CHB.