Marta Wawrzynowicz-Syczewska

Original article Distribution of HBV genotypes in Poland

Aim of the study To identify distribution of HBV genotypes in particular regions of Poland. Material and methods The study included 270 treatment-naïve, HBV-infected individuals, enrolled in 7 centers of Poland. HBV genotyping was performed in 243 of them with the INNO-LiPA HBV Genotyping assay (Innogenetics). Results Genotype A present in 2/3 patients was demonstrated as the most predominant in Poland. It was followed by D (20%), H (5%) and mixed A + D (5%). Remaining patients were infected with genotype F, mixed D + G, A + C or D + F. Analysis of distribution demonstrated regional differences, with a higher rate of genotype D prevalence (about 30%) in the eastern (Białystok and Lublin) and south-western (Wrocław) parts compared to other regions, where the prevalence rate was below 15%. The highest prevalence of genotype A (exceeding 80%) was observed in central Poland (Bydgoszcz, Łódź). Conclusions The presented data reveal the current distribution of HBV genotypes across Poland, which is the first and the largest such epidemiological analysis.

Recommendations for the treatment of hepatitis B in 2017

The therapeutic goal which is currently unfrequent but realistic in HBV infected patients is sustained HBsAg clearance. It is preceded by the loss or significant suppression of HBV replication and leads to inhibition of the progression of liver fibrosis, normalization of biochemical indicators of liver damage, reduction in the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma, prolongation of survival, prevention of HBV infection in the transplanted organ in post-transplant patients, enhancement of the quality of life, inhibition or reversal of extrahepatic changes associated with HBV infection, and halting of the spread of HBV infections. Recommendations of Polish Group of Experts for HBV for 2017 provide guidelines to assess treatment eligibility, choice of the first-line drug, monitoring and duration of treatment, management of treatment failure as well as therapy of HBV associated cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Moreover it contains advice for treatment of HBV infection in children, females planning pregnancy or pregnant. We also included recommendations for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis, prevention of HBV transmission from mother to infant, after liver transplantation, on immunosuppressive therapy and during HCV treatment.

Hepatitis C coinfection adversely affects the life expectancy of people living with HIV in northwestern Poland

Introduction Hepatitis C (HCV) infection adversely affects survival among people living with HIV, increasing mortality risk due to liver-related causes. In Poland HCV is found among ~30% of HIV infected individuals, with only a small percentage successfully treated for this coinfection. This study aimed to analyze the HCV-associated influence on the life expectancy among HIV/HCV coinfected patients from northwestern Poland. Material and methods Longitudinal data of 701 (368 HIV monoinfected and 368 HIV/HCV coinfected) patients were investigated to assess the life expectancy and survival after HIV diagnosis. Kaplan-Meier and Cox analyses were used to assess the mortality risk in both unadjusted and multivariate models. Effect plots indicate the adjusted hazard ratio for HCV-associated survival. Results Overall mortality was significantly higher among HCV coinfected (22.52%) compared to HIV monoinfected (10.32%) cases (p < 0.001, OR = 2.52 (95% CI: 1.65–3.85)), with shorter life expectancy among HIV/HCV infected patients (median: 55.4 (IQR: 42.8–59.1) years) compared to HIV monoinfection (median 72.7 (IQR: 60.4–76.8) years, univariate HR = 4.15 (95% CI: 2.7–6.38), p < 0.0001, adjusted HR = 2.32 (95% CI: 1.47–3.65), p < 0.0001). After HIV diagnosis, HCV adversely influenced the survival after 15 years of follow-up, with a strengthened impact in the subsequent 5 years (univariate HR = 1.57 (95% CI: 1.05–2.34) p = 0.026 for the 20-year survival time point, adjusted HR = 2.21 (95% CI: 1.18–4.13), p = 0.013). Conclusions Among patients living with HIV, HCV coinfection is associated with a median life expectancy decrease of 17.3 years and low probability of surviving until the age of 65 years. In the era of directly acting anti-HCV drugs, treatment scale-up and immediacy of treatment are advisable in this cohort.

Hospital-treated infectious diseases in Western Pomeranian region in a 5-year surveillance: importance for travellers.

Retrospective analysis of the incidence of infectious diseases in the five-year period 1994-1998 as recorded by the Department of Infectious Diseases of the Pomeranian Medical School, has been presented. In this period contagious diseases were diagnosed in 3,863 adults with mean age of 42.8 +/- 33.5 y. Most patients still had viral liver diseases, but we observe some major changes in the epidemiology of infectious diseases in our region. There is an increased number of hospitalisations due to chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis as well as due to symptomatic HIV infections, whereas some acute diseases namely acute hepatitis B and infectious intoxication show decreasing tendency.