Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board Chronic Hepatitis B Cohort Study

Summary

Participation Requirements

Description

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is common in Cameroon, and hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer death throughout West and Central Africa. Little is known about the natural history of CHB in sub-Saharan Africa and the long term response to antiviral therapy. The study h...

Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is common in Cameroon, and hepatitis B-related hepatocellular carcinoma is a leading cause of cancer death throughout West and Central Africa. Little is known about the natural history of CHB in sub-Saharan Africa and the long term response to antiviral therapy. The study hypothesis is that these can be determined by prospective follow-up of a population-based cohort. Aims, purpose, or objectives: To determine the characteristics of a population of asymptomatic Cameroonian adults who work for the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board (CBCHB) who have chronic hepatitis B infection. To determine the phase of infection into which these Hepatitis B carriers fall. To determine the incidence and risk factors for cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma in this cohort over time. To offer treatment according to a standardized protocol, and to determine the outcome of treatment. To archive serum samples from patients for potential future studies of specific markers associated with hepatitis B and liver disease outcomes. Methods: Adult employees of the Cameroon Baptist Convention Health Board (CBCHB) and their spouses who are known to be positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg+) will be offered the enrollment in a cohort study for CHB. Following enrollment, their stage of disease will be determined using clinical, laboratory and imaging studies. Patients will then be followed at regular intervals for 5 years. Antiviral therapy will be offered to patients who qualify according to current World Health Organization guidelines. Significance: This protocol will prospectively determine the scope of CHB-related illness in an initially asymptomatic, population-based cohort and the outcomes of current WHO treatment guidelines in this African cohort.

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