Reduced liver cancer mortality with regular clinic follow-up among patients with chronic hepatitis B: A nationwide cohort study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Regular clinic follow-up is a prerequisite for optimal antiviral therapy and surveillance of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, adherence to regular follow-up stays low in practice. This study investigated whether regular follow-up is associated with decreased liver cancer mortality in CHB patients.

Methods

A nationwide population-based historical cohort study was conducted using customized data from the National Health Insurance Service of Korea. The number of hospital visits every 3-month interval was counted for 2 years from the date of CHB diagnosis. Patients were classified into three follow-up groups: regular (four to eight visits), irregular (one to three visits), and no follow-up. The risk of liver cancer mortalit

SUBMITTER: Shim JJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7571840 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature