Treatment of chronic hepatitis B in sub-Saharan Africa: 1-year results of a pilot program in Ethiopia.

ABSTRACT: BACKGROUND:The World Health Organization has set an ambitious goal of eliminating viral hepatitis as a major public health threat by 2030. However, in sub-Saharan Africa, antiviral treatment of chronic hepatitis B (CHB) is virtually unavailable. Herein, we present the 1-year results of a pilot CHB treatment program in Ethiopia. METHODS:At a public hospital in Addis Ababa, CHB patients were treated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate based on simplified eligibility criteria. Baseline assessment included liver function tests, viral markers, and transient elastography (Fibroscan). Changes in laboratory markers were analyzed using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Adherence to therapy was measured by pharmacy refill data. RESULTS:Out of 1303 patients, 328 (25.2%) fulfilled the treatment criteria and

SUBMITTER: Desalegn H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6296040 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature