Hamzullah Khan, Nadeem Jan.
Hepatitis `B` infection: Experience in a tertiary care hospital of Peshawar.
Infect Dis J Jan ;16(1):6-9.

Background and Objectives: The present study was conducted to determine the symptomatology, risk factors and complications of hepatitis B infection in a tertiary care hospital in Peshawar. Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted in the Department of Medicine, Khyber Teaching Hospital Peshawar, from January 2006 to November 2006.A total of 180 HCV positive patients were selected, 123 were males and 57 females. Relevant information was obtained from the patients with the help of a pre-designed questionnaire prepared in accordance with the objectives of the study. Results: A total of 180 hepatitis B surface antigen (Hbs Ag) positive were included. 68.33% were males and 31.67% females. The age range was 7 to 85 years, with mean of 50 years. The risk factors distribution were: intravenous drug abuse 33.88%, Hbs Ag positive sexual partners 23.33%, blood transfusion 14.44%, dental procedures (tooth extraction or root canal treatment (RCT) 9.44%, shaving from community barbers 8.33%, past surgical history 6.67%, medical endoscopy 5.56%, occupational exposure 5%, tattooing 1.6%, and history of homosexuality and hemodialysis 0.5% each. No risk factors were recorded in 10.56% and multiple risk factors were observed in 20% cases. Clinical presentations at time of interview were fever 47.78%, jaundice 43.33%, malaise 37.77%, maculopapular rash 5.56%, urticaria in 3.8% and polyarthritis in 1.66% patients. Multiple complaints were recorded in 9.44%, and 28.88% were asymptomatic. Complications due to hepatitis B infections were: chronic healthy carriers 31.67%, chronic hepatitis 14.44%, liver cirrhosis 6.11%, acute hepatitis 5.56%, acute fulminant hepatitis 0.5%, and hepatocellular carcinoma in 1.10% cases, while 40.55% were clinically asymptomatic or with sub-clinical features. Chronic HBV infection coexistence with chronic HCV infection was recorded in 8.89%. Hepatitis `B` Infection: Experience in a Tertiary Care Hospital of Peshawar. Hamzullah Khan1, Nadeem Jan 2 Conclusion: Intravenous drug abuse, positive sexual partners, blood or blood product transfusion and dental procedures are main risk factors for HBV infection. Fever, jaundice and malaise are main symptoms while chronic carrier state, chronic hepatitis and liver cirrhosis are main sequelae of the disease.

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