Prevalence of hepatitis B and clinical outcomes in inflammatory bowel disease patients in a viral-endemic region

BACKGROUND Little is known of the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and its effect on choice of therapy and disease course in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We assessed the prevalence of HBV in Hong Kong as well as determinants of altered transaminases, effects of HBV infection on therapeutic strategy and clinical course in IBD. METHODS In this retrospective cohort, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), liver function tests, and IBD disease characteristics were recorded. Logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with altered transaminases. RESULTS Four hundred six IBD patients were recruited. HBV infection was found in 5.7 % patients in Hong Kong. The use of steroids (OR, 2.52; p = 0.010) and a previous history of surgery (OR 2.33; p = 0.026) were associated with altered transaminases in IBD. There was no significant difference in disease control and use of IBD medication between HBsAg-positive and HBsAg-negative IBD patients. CONCLUSION The prevalence of HBV among patients with IBD in Hong Kong (5.7 %) is similar to that of general population (~7 %). There was no difference in disease control and use of IBD medication between subjects with or without HBV.