Background: Whether the incidence of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is higher in women prescribed antibiotics during pregnancy remains to be determined. Methods: Administrative databases and hospital abstracts were reviewed to identify all pregnant women in the province of Manitoba from 1996 to 2001 who were prescribed antibiotics during pregnancy and subsequently diagnosed with AIH until 2020. Results: In this study, 70,666 pregnant women were identified during the 5-year period. Antibiotics were prescribed in 11,654 (16.5%). AIH was subsequently diagnosed in more mothers who were prescribed antibiotics than in those who were not (82/11,654 [0.7%] versus 166/58,975 [0.28%], p <0.0001). The number of antibiotic prescriptions was higher in mothers who subsequently developed AIH than in those who were prescribed antibiotics but did not develop AIH (0.56 [SD 1.09] versus 0.24 [SD 0.67], p <0.0001) as were the prescribed durations of treatment (4.19 [SD 7.72] versus 2.03 [SD 7.55] days, p <0.0001). The mean ages (25.9 [SD 6.0] and 26.8 [SD 5.8]; years) and times to AIH diagnosis (10.6 [SD 4.9] and 10.8 [SD 4.8] years) were similar in mothers who were prescribed and not prescribed antibiotics and developed AIH. The relative risk of developing AIH in antibiotic recipients was 2.5 (95% CI 1.92-3.25, p <0.0001), and the hazard ratio was 2.58 (95% CI 1.98-3.36, p <0.001). Conclusions: These results describe an association between mothers prescribed antibiotics during pregnancy and the subsequent development of AIH.

Background:The majority of the world's metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) patient population remain undiagnosed. Whether the clinical and biochemical features of these individuals resemble those with an established diagnosis of MASLD remains to be determined. The aim of this study was to document and compare the demographics, associated metabolic comorbidities, liver biochemistry, and non-invasive markers of hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension in diagnosed versus undiagnosed MASLD patients. Methods:The two study cohorts consisted of 3,101 MASLD patients attending a tertiary care centre (diagnosed) and 408 individuals with MASLD identified as a result of volunteering in a community-based MASLD screening clinic (undiagnosed). Results:Diagnosed MASLD patients were younger (51±14 vs. 54±13 years, p <0.00001), more often male (50% vs. 34%, p <0.00001), and diabetic (40% vs. 17%, p <0.00001) but less often dyslipidemic (29% vs. 46%, p <0.00001). BMIs were similar in the two cohorts. The prevalence and extent of liver transaminases (ALT and AST) and function test (albumin, bilirubin, and INR values) abnormalities were greater in diagnosed MASLD patients as were non-invasive determinants of hepatic fibrosis and portal hypertension (higher FIB-4 values and lower platelet counts, respectively). Conclusions:The demographics, metabolic co-morbidities, and severity of liver disease differ in diagnosed versus undiagnosed MASLD patients.

BACKGROUND Cardiac surgery involving cardiopulmonary bypass induces a significant systemic inflammatory response, contributing to various postoperative complications, including pulmonary dysfunction, myocardial and kidney injuries. OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of Nitric Oxide delivery via the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit on various postoperative outcomes. DESIGN A prospective, single-centre, double-blinded, randomised controlled trial. SETTING Rabin Medical Centre, Beilinson Hospital, Israel. PATIENTS Adult patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery were randomly allocated to one of the study groups. INTERVENTIONS For the treatment group, 40 ppm of nitric oxide was delivered via the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. For the control group, nitric oxide was not delivered. OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the incidence of hypoxaemia, defined as a p a O 2 /FiO 2 ratio less than 300 within 24 h postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were the incidences of low cardiac output syndrome and acute kidney injury within 72 h postoperatively. RESULTS Ninety-eight patients were included in the final analysis, with 47 patients allocated to the control group and 51 to the Nitric Oxide group. The Nitric Oxide group exhibited significantly lower hypoxaemia rates at admission to the cardiothoracic intensive care unit (47.1 vs. 68.1%), P = 0.043. This effect, however, varied in patients with or without baseline hypoxaemia. Patients with baseline hypoxaemia who received nitric oxide exhibited significantly lower hypoxaemia rates (61.1 vs. 93.8%), P = 0.042, and higher p a O 2 /FiO 2 ratios at all time points, F (1,30) = 6.08, P = 0.019. Conversely, this benefit was not observed in patients without baseline hypoxaemia. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of low cardiac output syndrome or acute kidney injury. No substantial safety concerns were noted, and toxic methaemoglobin levels were not observed. CONCLUSIONS Patients with baseline hypoxaemia undergoing cardiac surgery and receiving nitric oxide exhibited lower hypoxaemia rates and higher p a O 2 /FiO 2 ratios. No significant differences were found regarding postoperative pulmonary complications and overall outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION NCT04807413.

Background:Post liver transplant diabetes mellitus (PLTDM) occurs in 10-40% of liver transplant recipients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. An important cause of PLTDM is tacrolimus induced, concentration-dependent, inhibition of insulin secretion.Objective:To determine if a newly licenced formulation of tacrolimus (Envarsus-PA), which achieves peak tacrolimus concentrations 20-30% lower than other tacrolimus formulations has less of an inhibitory effect on insulin secretion.Methods:Homeostatic model assessment (HOMA) for insulin secretion (HOMA-S) values and c-peptide levels were determined in 19 adult liver transplant recipients while being maintained on immediate- or slow-release tacrolimus formulations and repeated a minimum of 30 days following conversion to Envarsus-PA.Results:Insulin secretion was unchanged following conversion to Envarsus-PA (HOMA-S pre-conversion: 154 ± 133 vs. 129 ± 75, post-conversion [p = 0.32], and c-peptide levels; 1059 ± 602 and 934 ± 463 respectively, p = 0.42). Fasting blood glucose (FBG) and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels were also unchanged (FBG 5.7 ± 0.8 pre-conversion vs. 5.6 ± 0.7 post-conversion; p = 0.36 and HbA1c 4.9±1.2 pre-conversion versus 5.5±0.2 post-conversion, p = 0.34).Conclusions:Envarsus-PA had no significant effect on insulin secretion or glucose homeostasis beyond that associated with other tacrolimus formulations in adult liver transplant recipients.

BACKGROUND: Binge drinking and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are common health problems throughout the world. However, the impact of binge drinking on NAFLD has yet to be described. The objective of this study was to document the extent of liver disease in community-based NAFLD patients who self-reported monthly binge drinking and compare the findings to NAFLD patients from the same communities who denied binge drinking (controls). METHODS: The study was undertaken in four Manitoba First Nations communities where the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages are prohibited but visits to urban centres are common. Binge drinkers were retrospectively matched 1:2 by age, sex, and body mass index (BMI) with controls. NAFLD was diagnosed by ultrasonographic features of excess fat in the liver in individuals with no alternative, non-metabolic explanation for fatty infiltration of the liver. Hepatic inflammation and function were determined by standard liver biochemistry testing and fibrosis by FIB-4 levels and hepatic elastography. RESULTS: Of 546 NAFLD patients, 88 (16%) attested to binge drinking. The mean age of binge drinkers was 40 (SD 13) years; 51% were male; and the mean BMI was 34 (SD 7). Compared with controls, binge drinkers had similar liver biochemistry results (alanine and aspartate aminotransferases: 41 [SD 39] and 36 [SD 30] versus 36 [SD 36] and 31 [SD 27] U/L, p = 0.35 and p = 0.37, respectively), FIB-4 values (0.75 [SD 0.55] versus 0.72 [SD 0.44], p = 0.41, respectively), and hepatic elastrography (6.6 [SD 3.9] versus 6.2 [SD 2.9] kPa, p = 0.37, respectively) findings. CONCLUSIONS: In this study population, monthly binge drinking did not appear to impact the severity of NAFLD.

Background:Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is considered an important risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The aim of this study was to measure the prevalence of MetS based on six different MetS definitions and compare the performance of various definitions for identifying diabetes, hypertension, and dyslipidemia among NAFLD patients.Methods:The definitions compared were those developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP-ATP III), International Diabetes Federation (IDF), American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE), American Heart Association/National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (AHA/NHLBI), and Interim Joint Statement "harmonized" criteria. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted for the six MetS definitions with NAFLD diagnosis. The diagnosis for NAFLD was established based on liver imaging or biopsy compatible with fatty liver disease.Results:A total of 500 NAFLD patients were analyzed. The mean age was 61.2 (SD 13.2) years, and BMI was 32.7 (SD 8.0) kg/m2. The most prevalent MetS component was dyslipidemia (83%), followed by hypertension (60%), obesity (61%), and diabetes (57%). The prevalence of MetS according to the WHO, NCEP/ATP-III, IDF, AACE, AHA/NHLBI, and harmonized criteria was 69%, 59%, 54%, 64%, 78%, and 79%, respectively. The highest area under the ROC curve for diabetes and hypertension was with the WHO definition (0.7405) and (0.8120), respectively.Conclusions:The prevalence of MetS in NAFLD patients varies according to the definitions of MetS employed. The modified WHO definition appeared to be most useful for the screening of MetS in NAFLD patients.

BACKGROUND: Negative correlations have been described between elevated serum unconjugated bilirubin levels and the prevalence/severity of various chronic inflammatory conditions. Whether a similar association exists for patients with unconjugated hyperbilirubinemia (UCB) and underlying chronic liver diseases (CLD) has yet to be reported. The aim of this study was to document hepatic necro-inflammatory disease activity and fibrosis in CLD patients with and without UCB and otherwise normal liver function tests (albumin and INR). METHODS: Necro-inflammatory disease activity was assessed by serum aminotransferase levels and fibrosis by APRI and FIB-4 calculations. UCB patients were matched 1:2 by age, gender and underlying CLD to patients with normal bilirubin levels. RESULTS: From a database of 9,745 CLD patients, 208 (2.1%) had UCB and 399 served as matched controls. Overall, UCB patients had significantly higher serum aminotransferase levels, APRI and FIB-4 scores. The differences were driven by patients with underlying chronic viral or immune mediated liver disorders rather than non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcohol related liver disease, or ‘other’ CLDs. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest UCB is associated with increased rather than decreased hepatic necro-inflammatory disease activity and fibrosis in patients with certain CLDs.

Background: Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) loss is associated with improved clinical outcomes for individuals with chronic hepatitis B (CHB); however, the effects of varying HBsAg levels on clinical outcomes in diverse cohorts are understudied. Methods: In this cross-sectional, multicentre, retrospective study, the data on adult subjects enrolled in the Canadian HBV Network with CHB seen from 1 January 2012 to 30 January 2021 with the treatment and virologic data within 1 year of HBsAg testing were analyzed. Patients were tested for HBsAg using qualitative (for HBsAg-negative samples) and/or commercial quantitative assays. Fibrosis or hepatic necroinflammation was determined by the liver stiffness measurement (LSM). The baseline data were summarized using descriptive statistics and compared by using univariable/multivariable analyses. Results: This study included 844 CHB patients, with a median age of 49.6 years (IQR 40.1–60.5), and 37% were female. In total, 751 patients (78.6%) had known ethnicity data, and 76.7% self-reported as Asian, 11.4% as Black, 6.8% as White, and 4.8% as other. Among the 844 patients, 237 (28.0%) were HBsAg (−) (1000 IU/mL. Overall, 80% (682) had known HBeAg status at the last follow-up, and the majority (87.0%) were HBeAg-negative. In addition, 54% (461/844) had prior antiviral therapy, 19.7% of which (16.3, 23.7, n = 91) were HBsAg (−). The treated patients had a lower risk of cirrhosis (16.46, 95% CI 1.89–143.39, p = 0.01) or HCC (8.23, 95% CI 1.01–67.39, p = 0.05) than the untreated patients. A lower proportion of the HBsAg-loss group had cirrhosis (5.7% vs. 10.9%, p = 0.021) and HCC (0.9% vs. 6.2%, p = 0.001). Conclusion: In this retrospective, ethnically diverse cohort study, CHB patients who received antiviral therapy and/or had HBsAg loss were less likely to develop cirrhosis and HCC, confirming the results of the studies in less diverse cohorts. No association was found between the qHBsAg level and fibrosis determined with LSM. Individuals who achieved HBsAg loss had low-level qHBsAg within 1 year of seroclearance.

BACKGROUND: Post-transplant diabetes mellitus (PTDM) occurs in 10%-40% of liver and renal transplant recipients. Whether the risk factors for PTDM in liver and renal transplant recipients are similar and whether Indigenous Canadians, who have a high underlying prevalence of diabetes mellitus (DM), are at increased risk of developing PTDM have yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE: To describe and compare those variables associated with PTDM in adult Canadian liver and renal transplant recipients. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of adult liver and renal transplant recipients attending four transplant follow-up clinics in three Canadian provinces was undertaken. RESULTS: De novo PTDM was diagnosed in 184/905 (20.3%) liver and 179/390 (45.9%) renal transplant recipients. Older age, higher pre-transplant BMI, underlying immune-mediated liver disease, lower trough tacrolimus levels and longer duration of follow-up were independently associated with PTDM in liver transplant recipients and non-Caucasian race, higher pre-transplant BMI, and incidence of organ rejection in renal transplant recipients. Compared with Caucasians, Indigenous Canadians who had undergone renal transplantation had a significantly increased prevalence of PTDM (56.5% versus 40.0%, p = 0.035). The prevalence of PTDM in liver transplant recipients was similar in Indigenous Canadians and Caucasians (27.9% versus 20.1%, p = 0.215). CONCLUSIONS: The variables associated with PTDM differ in liver and renal transplant recipients. Compared with Caucasians, Indigenous Canadians undergoing renal transplantation are at increased risk of developing PTDM.

OBJECTIVES:A low serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level is an uncommon finding in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD). The prevalence of this finding and whether low ALP expression influences CLD remain to be determined. The objectives of this study were: (1) to document the prevalence of low serum ALP levels in adult CLD patients and (2) compare features of CLD in patients with low versus normal or elevated serum ALP levels.METHODS:An adult, outpatient liver disease database was searched for patients with low serum ALP levels (<40 IU/L). Hepatic inflammation, function, fibrosis and disease severity were determined by serum aminotransferases, albumin, bilirubin and INR levels, Fib-4 calculations and MELD scores respectively.RESULTS:Of 19,037 patients entered into the database, 47 (0.25%) had consistently low serum ALP levels, 51 (0.27%) low levels on the majority and 469 (2.44%) on the minority of determinations. Patients with consistently low levels were matched (1:2) by age, gender and nature of the underlying liver disease to patients with normal or elevated serum ALP levels. Matched patients with consistently low ALP levels had significantly lower serum aminotransferase and bilirubin levels at their initial visit and throughout the follow-up period (p < 0.05 respectively) while Fib-4 levels and MELD scores were similar at the initial and last follow-up visit.CONCLUSIONS:These results establish the prevalence of low serum ALP levels in adult CLD patients and describe a hitherto unreported association between low serum ALP levels and less biochemical evidence of active disease.

The aim was to study any spatial and/or temporal patterns of ischemic heart disease (IHD) prevalence and measure the effects of selected social determinants on these spatial and space-time patterns. Data were obtained from the Population Research Data Repository housed at the Manitoba Centre for Health Policy to identify persons who were diagnosed with IHD between 1995 and 2018. These persons were geocoded to 96 geographic regions of Manitoba. An area-level socioeconomic factor index (SEFI-2) and the proportion of the population who was Indigenous were calculated for each geographic region using the 2016 Canadian Census data. Associations between these factors and IHD prevalence were measured using Bayesian spatial Poisson regression models. Temporal trends and spatio-temporal trends were measured using Bayesian spatio-temporal Poisson regression models. Univariable models showed a significant association with increased regional Indigenous population proportion associated with a higher prevalence of IHD (RR: 0.07, 95% CredInt: (0.05, 0.10)) and for SEFI-2 (RR: 0.17, 95% CredInt: (0.11, 0.23)). Using a multivariable model, after accounting for the proportion of the population that was Indigenous, there was no evidence of an association between IHD prevalence and area-level socioeconomic factor. Spatio-temporal models showed no significant overall temporal trend in IHD prevalence, but there were significant spatially varying temporal trends within the 96 regions. Association between Indigenous population proportion and IHD is consistent with previous research. No significant overall temporal trend was measured. However, regions with significantly increasing trends and significantly decreasing trends in IHD prevalence were identified.

Background The impact of chronic cholestatic liver diseases such as primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has yet to be described. Objectives To document and compare the severity and course of liver disease in patients with NAFLD/PBC versus NAFLD alone. Methods In this retrospective, case-control study 68 adult NAFLD/PBC patients were matched 1:2 for age and sex with 136 NAFLD alone patients. Disease activity and severity were documented by serum aminotransferases, albumin, bilirubin and international normalized ratio (INR) values and hepatic fibrosis by Fib-4 and aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio indices (APRI). Results On presentation (baseline), NAFLD/PBC patients had similar serum aminotransferase, albumin and bilirubin levels but lower INR values than NAFLD alone patients. Fib-4 and APRI levels were similar. Despite longer follow-up (favouring more advanced disease) in NAFLD/PBC patients, serum aminotransferases and bilirubin values were similar but albumin and INR levels significantly lower in NAFLD/PBC versus NAFLD alone patients at the end of follow-up. NAFLD/PBC patients also had significantly lower and less worsening of Fib-4 values at the end of follow-up. Transition from intermediate Fib-4 levels to those compatible with no or limited fibrosis was higher in NAFLD/PBC patients. Conclusion These findings suggest PBC does not adversely affect the severity or course of NAFLD.

Introduction and objectives: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) can recur following radiofrequency ablation and other hyperthermic treatment modalities. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a subpopulation of HCC cells that are difficult to eradicate and largely responsible for tumor recurrences. Thus, the principal objective of this study was to determine whether human HCC CSCs are relatively thermal-resistant compared to non-stem or mature cancer cells (MCCs). Materials and methods: Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) positive enriched CSCs and EpCAM(-) MCCs were derived from a human HCC cell line using fluorescence activated cell sorting. Each cell population was exposed to 65 degrees C heat for 0-16 min and survival documented at various time points. Results: Cell survival curves were similar in CSC and MCCs throughout the 16 min heat exposure period. Maximum killing was obtained after 12-14 min of heat exposure. Cytoprotective, heat shock proteins-70 (HSP70) and -90 (HSP90) mRNA expression were not disproportionately increased in CSCs. Conclusions: These results suggest that human HCC CSCs are not more thermal resistant than MCCs and therefore, do not support the hypothesis that HCC recurrences following hyperthermic treatment reflect CSC thermal-resistance. (c) 2020 Fundacion Clinica Medica Sur, A.C. Published by Elsevier Espana, S.L.U. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).

The impact of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) on patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections has yet to be determined. In this retrospective, cross-sectional analysis, untreated chronic HBV, hepatitis B e-antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients with NAFLD had similar liver biochemistry and FIB-4 values as age-, gender-, and viral-load-matched HBeAg-positive patients without NAFLD. Among HBeAg-negative patients with NAFLD, although liver biochemistry findings were similar, mean FIB-4 values were significantly lower (0.98, SD 1.46, versus 1.51, SD 4.04, respectively; p < 0.05) and the percentage of patients with FIB-4 values in keeping with advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis was less (0.3% versus 3.9%, p < 0.015) than that of matched HBeAg-negative patients without NAFLD. Chronic HCV-infected patients with NAFLD had higher mean serum aminotransferase values than those without NAFLD (123 U/L, SD 247, versus 90 U/L, SD 128, respectively; p < 0.05). These results suggest that NAFLD adversely affects chronic HCV infections but not HBV infections.

Acute exacerbations of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infections can occur in HBV-infected, hepatitis e antigen (HBeAg)-negative patients in the absence of recent withdrawal of antiviral or immunosuppressive therapies. Whether these spontaneous “flares” predict subsequent loss of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has yet to be determined. To document the percent of patients who experience spontaneous HBV flares and severity of the flares in chronic HBeAg-negative carriers. A retrospective review of an HBV database identified and followed HBeAg-negative patients for biochemical evidence of flares (ALT > 5× normal) and subsequent HBsAg status. Patients that subsequently cleared HBsAg were matched 1:1 with those who remained HBsAg positive. Of 1299 HBeAg-negative patients followed for 10.2 ± 6.1 years, 88 (6.8%) developed spontaneous HBV flares. Flares occurred in 14/115 (12.2%) patients who subsequently cleared HBsAg and 4/111 (3.6%) matched patients who remained HBsAg positive (p = 0.025). The severity of flares was similar in the two study cohorts. Following multivariate analyses, only low HBV-DNA levels at baseline identified patients likely to subsequently clear HBsAg. Although more common in patients who subsequently clear HBsAg, spontaneous HBV flares do not predict subsequent HBsAg clearance.

BACKGROUND & AIMS: The prevalence of chronic liver disease (CLD) is largely derived from cross-sectional epidemiologic surveys. The goal of this long-term, prospective study was to document the lifetime risk of developing chronic liver disease and determine the impact of common metabolic conditions associated with metabolic syndrome (MetS) on the development and outcomes of CLD. METHODS: 3,983 air force men were enrolled in the Manitoba Follow-up Study in 1948. The comprehensive database on results of routine physicals and health encounters was examined for evidence of CLD and MetS. The joint relationship between CLD and components of MetS on mortality was examined using Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: In 65 follow-up years, 5.2% of men developed CLD and 6.4% MetS. Hypertension was the strongest predictor of CLD (HR 2.958, 95% CI - 2.065 to 4.236, p<.0001), followed by insulin resistance/diabetes mellitus (IR/DM) (2.008, 95% CI - 1.332 to 3.027, p = .0009) and obesity (1.958, 95% CI - 1.419 to 2.703, p<.0001). Relative to men without MetS comorbidities, an increasing gradient of risk for CLD was apparent with increasing numbers of MetS components; the HR of 3.67, 5.97 and 14.3 for IR/DM, IR/DM + one component, and IR/DM + two or more components respectively. The relative risk of mortality in men with vs. without CLD was 3.33 (95% CI - 2.83 to 3.91, p<.0001) and 1.505 (95% CI - 1.31 to 1.73, p<.0001) in men with vs. without MetS. CONCLUSIONS: CLD and MetS independently increase the relative risk of mortality; the magnitude of the effect is greater in CLD.

Background:Routine measurement of liver transaminases is common in the general monitoring of patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), but there is little data to support the utility of this practice. The aims of this study were to determine how alanine aminotransferase (ALT) results vary over time in patients with NAFLD; and to determine if serial measurement of ALT is a useful clinical marker for progression of NAFLD.Methods:Consecutive adult patients with NAFLD were followed prospectively in a tertiary liver disease clinic over a 15-year period. Clinicodemographic characteristics and the change in liver enzymes, liver function, and histopathology were followed over time. Paired t test, chi-square test, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and logistic regression were performed to assess the relationship between ALT and severity of NAFLD, or development of cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Results/Conclusion:A change in liver transaminases over time is not a useful metric in predicting outcomes in patients with NAFLD. Additionally, all stages of NAFLD are equally responsive to standard medical interventions of advocating for weight loss and correcting metabolic disturbances.

BACKGROUND:Published Canadian epidemiologic data on hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection include single-centre studies or are focused on Indigenous populations. We performed a study to characterize the demographic and clinical features, liver disease status and treatment of people with chronic hepatitis B in Canada. METHODS:In this descriptive, opportunistic, cross-sectional study, available data for people known to be monoinfected with HBV were collected by the Canadian HBV Network from existing clinical databases, with support from the National Microbiology Laboratory, Public Health Agency of Canada. Data were collected in all provinces with the exception of New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador. We analyzed the data using parametric and nonparametric statistical methods, with a significance level of p < 0.05. RESULTS:In the 9380 unique patient records reviewed, the median age was 48 years, and 5193 patients (55.4%) were male. Ethnicity information was available for 7858 patients, of whom 5803 (73.8%) were Asian, 916 (11.6%) were black and 914 (11.6%) were white. Most of those tested (5556/6796 [81.8%]) were negative for HBV e-antigen, and most of those with fibrosis data (3481/4260 [81.7%]) had minimal liver fibrosis, with more advanced fibrosis noted in older people (> 40 yr). Of the 980 patients with genotype data, 521 (53.2%) had genotype B or C infection. Most of the 9241 patients with known confirmed treatment status received tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (1655 [17.9%]), lamivudine (1434 [15.5%]) or entecavir (548 [5.9%]). INTERPRETATION:Based on available data, Canadian patients with chronic hepatitis B are predominantly Asian and negative for HBV e-antigen, and have genotype B or C infection. Interprovincial variations were noted in antiviral treatment regimen. This multicentre nationwide study provides data regarding patients with chronic hepatitis B and may inform future studies on the epidemiologic features of HBV infection in Canada.

ObjectiveChina’s national hepatitis burden is high. This study aims to provide a detailed national-level description of the reported incidence of viral hepatitis in China during 2004–2016.DesignObservational study.SettingData were obtained from China’s National Notifiable Disease Reporting System, and changing trends were estimated by joinpoint regression analysis.ParticipantsIn this system, 16 927 233 reported viral hepatitis cases occurring during 2004–2016 were identified.Primary outcome measureIncidence rates per 100 000 person-years and changing trends were calculated.ResultsThere were 16 927 233 new cases of viral hepatitis reported in China from 2004 to 2016. Hepatitis B (HBV) (n=13 543 137, 80.00%) and hepatitis C (HCV) (n=1 844 882, 10.90%) accounted for >90% of the cases. The overall annual percent change (APC) in reported cases of viral hepatitis and HBV were 0.3%(95% CI −2.0 to 0.8, p=0.6) and −0.2% (95% CI −1.6 to 1.2, p=0.8), respectively, showing a stable trend. HBV rates were highest in the 20–29 year old age group and lowest in younger individuals, likely resulting from the universal HBV vaccination. The reported incidence of HCV and hepatitis E (HEV) showed increasing trends; the APCs were 14.5% (95% CI 13.1 to 15.9, p<0.05) and 4.7% (95% CI 2.8 to 6.7, p<0.05), respectively. The hepatitis A (HAV) reporting incidence decreased, and the APC was −13.1% (95% CI −15.1 to −11.0, p<0.05). There were marked differences in the reporting of hepatitis among provinces.ConclusionsHBV continues to constitute the majority of viral hepatitis cases in China. Over the entire study period, the HBV reporting incidence was stable, the HCV and HEV incidence increased and the HAV incidence decreased. There were significant interprovincial disparities in the burden of viral hepatitis, with higher rates in economically less-developed areas. Vaccination is important for viral hepatitis prevention and control.