Epidemiological correlates of impaired liver function in Taiwan, an area endemic for chronic liver disease
Journal
Journal of Medical Sciences
Journal Volume
25
Journal Issue
2
Pages
71-76
Date Issued
2005
Author(s)
Abstract
Background: To determine the prevalence and etiology of impaired liver function among Taiwanese. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 7 townships for 11,251 men aged 30-64 years. Blood specimens were tested for serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and antibodies to hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV). In addition, hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) was tested for the HBsAg-positive individuals. Histories of alcohol consumption and cigarette smoking were collected from participants using in-person questionnaires. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression analysis were conducted to determine the epidemiological correlates for impaired liver function, as defined by a combination of an ALT level of ≧45 IU/L and an AST level of ≧4O IU/L. Results: The prevalence of impaired liver function was 2.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.3%-2.9%). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that acquisition of HCV infection (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 13.5; 95% CI, 9.8-18.6) and active replication of HBV in HBsAg carriers (OR, 10.7; 95% CI, 7.3-15.7) were the predominant factors for an increased risk of impaired liver function. There was a significant additive interaction between HCV infection and a history of alcohol intake and cigarette smoking, for the risk of impaired liver function. Conclusions: Hepatitis C and hepatitis B virus infections were the dominant factors that signaled the risk of liver injury. In addition, the presence of HCV showed an additive synergistic effect for alcohol- and smoking-related impaired liver function among these Taiwanese. Copyright ? 2005 JMS.
Subjects
Hepatitis B virus; Hepatitis C virus; Impaired liver function
SDGs
Other Subjects
alanine aminotransferase; aspartate aminotransferase; hepatitis B surface antibody; hepatitis B surface antigen; hepatitis B(e) antigen; hepatitis C antibody; adult; alanine aminotransferase blood level; alcohol consumption; article; aspartate aminotransferase blood level; blood sampling; chronic liver disease; cigarette smoking; endemic disease; female; hepatitis B; Hepatitis B virus; hepatitis C; human; liver dysfunction; logistic regression analysis; major clinical study; male; prevalence; questionnaire; risk assessment; Taiwan; virus replication
Type
journal article