COVID-19 Prevalence Among Patients with Hepatitis B or C: A Systematic Review

Strategic Insights -

Investigators at the University of British Columbia have conducted a systematic review to explore the prevalence of COVID-19 among patients living with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) co-infections. The study aimed to summarize the evidence on COVID-19 patients living with HBV or HCV co-infections, highlighting the need for careful assessment of hepatic manifestations and chronic infections to reduce multimorbidity and lead to more favorable health outcomes.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study included 27 studies, with 232 COVID-19 patients living with HBV and 22 living with HCV.
  • Most patients were male, with a mean age of 49.8 years for HBV patients and 62.8 years for HCV patients.
  • The death proportion was 4.7% in cross-sectional studies and 15% in case series/report studies for SARS-CoV-2-HBV co-infection.
  • The death proportion was 8.3% among reported cases of SARS-CoV2-HCV co-infection.
  • 34.1% and 76.2% of COVID-19 patients reported at least one comorbidity besides HBV and HCV infections, mainly hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
  • The most common COVID-19-related symptoms in both HBV and HCV groups were fever, cough, dyspnea, fatigue, and gastrointestinal symptoms.

Statistics:

  • 941 uniquely identified records were screened, with 27 studies included in the review.
  • 232 COVID-19 patients were living with HBV, and 22 were living with HCV.
  • The mean age of HBV patients was 49.8 years, and 62.8 years for HCV patients.
  • 4.7% SARS-CoV-2-HBV co-infection death proportion in cross-sectional studies.
  • 15% SARS-CoV-2-HBV co-infection death proportion in case series/report studies.
  • 8.3% SARS-CoV2-HCV co-infection death proportion.
  • 34.1% of COVID-19 patients reported at least one comorbidity besides HBV.
  • 76.2% of COVID-19 patients reported at least one comorbidity besides HCV.
  • 232 COVID-19 patients (living with HBV) and 22 patients (living with HCV) included in the study.

Sources:

  • Covid-19 Among Patients With Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C: a Systematic Review. Hepatitis Monthly, 2020;20(11).
  • University of British Columbia, School of Population and Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, Vancouver, Bc, Canada.