Viral Hepatitis Among African Immigrants with Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Minnesota: High Prevalence Yet Low Awareness

Overview

Journal J Immigr Minor Health

Publisher Springer

Specialties Public Health
Social Sciences

Date 2022 Sep 15

PMID 36109400

Authors

Prowpanga Udompap

Carlos G Moscoso

Chimaobi Anugwom

Mandip Kc

Nicholas Lim

John Lake

Mohamed Hassan

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

We aimed to study the virologic profile of immigrants from Africa with viral hepatitis-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who received care at our institution. We conducted a descriptive study among African-born patients with HCC who received care at University of Minnesota Medical Center from 2011 to 2018. We analyzed the prevalence, virologic profiles and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections prior to HCC diagnosis. 74 African-born patients with HCC were eligible for analysis. 54 had HCV and 20 had HBV infection. 80% of HBV patients were treated but remained with inadequate viral suppression at the time of HCC diagnosis while only 39% of HCV patients were treated prior to HCC diagnosis. Lost to follow up was common in both groups. Our findings suggest that there is a significant gap in appropriate viral hepatitis care in an African immigrant population in Minnesota. Culturally-appropriate strategies are needed to bridge this gap.

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