Hepatocellular carcinoma (the most common liver cancer), non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer affecting the immune system), liver disease, complications related to hepatitis B increase considerably (by 70%) the risk of dying prematurely.
Between 1994 and 2009, Inserm researchers formed a cohort of 1,117 patients (56% men and 44% women, average age 38) to assess the risks of early mortality for patients and identify the risk factors. mortality risks. During the study, more than 12% of the workforce died.
The results of the study revealed that in the majority of cases (65%), the patients had lived in an endemic region. In 9% of cases, the infection was due to risky practices (use of drugs, tattoos, etc.). In 6% of cases, patients were contaminated during treatment (transfusions, surgery, etc.). In the others, the mode of contamination was not determined.
Vaccination essential to avoid excess mortality due to hepatitis B
Researchers have determined that people infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) have a 70% increased mortality risk of excess mortality compared to the general population, and that the three leading causes of death observed are cancer ( 42% of deaths), cardiovascular accidents (18%) or liver disease (12%).
The risk factors are, for this population, excessive alcohol consumption, a high viral load or complications already existing at the time of diagnosis, being over 45 years of age or being a man, or significant exposure to infections. nosocomial.
In France, the majority of the population is protected from infection thanks to vaccination carried out in children. But 288,000 people suffer from Hepatitis B chronic and 15 to 40% of them suffer from cirrhosis of the liver, liver failure or hepatocellular carcinoma.
“Vaccination protects against acute infections, liver cancer and more generally excess mortality attributable to HBV in fairly young adults,” says Dr. Anne Minello, gastroenterologist and hepatologist, co-author of the work. “It is all the more relevant as no associated risk has been demonstrated to date”.
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Hepatitis B and C: more effective treatments
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