OBJECTIVE: To measure the burden of hepatitis B-associated diseases in China from 1990 to 2019, and to predict its changes from 2020 to 2030. METHODS: The age-standardized prevalence, incidence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALY) rate of hepatitis B-associated diseases in China from 1990 to 2019 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 (GBD 2019) data resources, and the trends in burdens of hepatitis B-associated diseases were evaluated from 1990 to 2019 using estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) and annual percent change (APC). In addition, the changes in the burden of hepatitis B-associated diseases were predicted in China from 2020 to 2023 using the Bayesian model. RESULTS: The overall incidence of hepatitis B-associated diseases reduced from 2 725.98/10⁵ in 1990 to 1 397.31/10⁵ in 2019 in China [estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) = -2.35%, 95% confidential interval (CI): (-2.58%, -2.13%)], with a reduction in the prevalence from 12 239.53/10⁵ in 1990 to 6 566.12/10⁵ in 2019 [EAPC = -2.34%, 95% CI: (-2.54%, -2.14%)], a reduction in the mortality from 24.67/10⁵ in 1990 to 8.07/10⁵ in 2019 [EAPC = -4.92%, 95% CI: (-5.37%, -4.47%)], and a reduction in the DALY rate from 793.38/10⁵ in 1990 to 247.71/10⁵ in 2019 [(EAPC = -5.15%, 95% CI: (-5.64%, -4.66%)]. The DALY rate of hepatitis B-associated diseases were mainly attributed to liver cancer, and the DALY rate of hepatitis B-associated diseases appeared a tendency towards a rise in China from 2012 to 2019 [APC = 1.30%, 95% CI: (0.16%, 2.45%)]. The overall burden of hepatitis Bassociated diseases was higher in males than in females, and the DALY rate of hepatitis B-associated diseases increased with age, with the greatest DALY rate seen among patients at ages of 50 to 69 years. The overall incidence of hepatitis B-associated diseases was projected to be 866.79/10⁵ in China in 2030, with the greatest incidence seen in acute hepatitis B (854.87/10⁵), and the burden of hepatitis B-associated diseases was predicted to decline in China from 2020 to 2030; however, the burden of liver disease was projected to appear a tendency towards a rise. CONCLUSIONS The burden of hepatitis B-associated diseases appears an overall tendency towards a decline in China from 1990 to 2030; however, the burden of liver cancer appears a tendency towards aggravation. Early diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer should be given a high priority.
Male ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Bayes Theorem ; Quality-Adjusted Life Years ; Hepatitis B/epidemiology* ; Liver Neoplasms/epidemiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Incidence

Objective:b> To investigate the association between physical exercise and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people infected with HBV. Methods:b> The information about the 3 813 participants infected with HBV, including the prevalence of NAFLD, prevalence of physical exercise and other covariates, were collected from the National Science and Technology Major Project of China during 2016-2020. The logistic regression model was used to evaluate the association between physical exercise and NAFLD in HBV infected patients, and subgroup analysis was performed to identify the effect modifiers. Results:b> A total of 2 259 HBV infected participants were included in the final analysis and 454 (20.10%) had NAFLD. After adjusting for covariates, we found that moderate physical exercise was a protective factor for NAFLD (OR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.46-0.94). Subgroup analysis suggested that the protective effect of moderate physical exercise on NAFLD might be stronger in women (OR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.36-1.01), those <45 years old (OR=0.24, 95%CI: 0.06-0.80), those who had low education level (OR=0.16, 95%CI: 0.04-0.49), those who had low annual income (OR=0.39, 95%CI: 0.16-0.89 for <30 000 yuan RMB; OR=0.64, 95%CI: 0.40-1.00 for 30 000-80 000 yuan RMB), those who had hypertension (OR=0.45, 95%CI: 0.21-0.88), those with BMI ≥24.0 kg/m² (OR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.43-1.01), those who had more daily fruit or vegetable intake (OR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.38-0.97), those who had more daily meat intake (OR=0.49, 95%CI: 0.23-0.97), and those who had no smoking history (OR=0.66, 95%CI: 0.45-0.95) or passive smoking exposure (OR=0.61, 95%CI: 0.37-0.97). Conclusions:b> Among HBV infected patients, moderate physical exercise was negatively associated with the prevalence of NAFLD. Women, young people, those who had low education level, those who had low annual income, those with hypertension, those with high BMI, those who had more daily fruit or vegetable and meat intakes, and those who had no smoking history or passive smoking exposure might be more sensitive to the protective effect.
Humans ; Female ; Adolescent ; Middle Aged ; Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease/epidemiology* ; Hepatitis B virus ; Risk Factors ; Tobacco Smoke Pollution ; Exercise ; Hypertension

Objective:b> To understand the distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV in different ethnic groups in China. Methods:b> The HBsAg positive samples were selected by stratified multi-stage cluster sampling from the sample base of national HBV sero-epidemiological survey in 2020 for the amplification of S gene of HBV by nested PCR. A phylogeny tree was constructed to determine the genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV. The distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV were analyzed comprehensively by using laboratory data and demographic data. Results:b> A total of 1 539 positive samples from 15 ethnic groups were successfully amplified and analyzed, and 5 genotypes (B, C, D, I and C/D) were detected. The proportion of genotype B was higher in ethnic group of Han (74.52%, 623/836), Zhuang (49.28%, 34/69), Yi (53.19%, 25/47), Miao (94.12%, 32/34), Buyi (81.48%, 22/27). The proportions of genotype C were higher in ethnic groups of Yao (70.91%, 39/55). Genotype D was the predominant genotype in Uygur (83.78%, 31/37). Genotype C/D were detected in Tibetan (92.35%,326/353). In this study, 11 cases of genotype I were detected, 8 of which were distributed in Zhuang nationality. Except for Tibetan, sub-genotype B2 accounted for more than 80.00% in genotype B in all ethnic groups. The proportions of sub-genotype C2 were higher in 8 ethnic groups, i.e. Han, Tibetan, Yi, Uygur, Mongolian, Manchu, Hui and Miao. The proportions of sub-genotype C5 were higher in ethnic groups of Zhuang (55.56%, 15/27) and Yao (84.62%, 33/39). For genotype D, sub-genotype D3 was detected in Yi ethnic group and sub-genotype D1 was detected in both Uygur and Kazak. The proportions of sub-genotype C/D1 and C/D2 in Tibetan were 43.06% (152/353) and 49.29% (174/353). For all the 11 cases of genotype I infection, only sub-genotype I1 was detected. Conclusions:b> Five genotypes and 15 sub-genotypes of HBV were found in 15 ethnic groups. There were significant differences in the distribution of genotypes and sub-genotypes of HBV among different ethnic groups.
Humans ; Asian People ; China/epidemiology* ; Ethnicity ; Genotype ; Gerbillinae ; Hepatitis B virus/genetics* ; Hepatitis B/virology*

Objective:b> To understand ten-year changes in clinical characteristics and antiviral treatment patterns of chronic hepatitis B in China. Methods:b> Patients with chronic HBV infection:demographic, virologic, hematologic, blood biochemistry, and antiviral treatment data were extracted from the China Registry of Hepatitis B (CR-HepB) database between 2012 and 2022 for descriptive statistics and change trend analysis. Multiple group comparisons were conducted using the Kruskal Wallis H test, while counting data was compared between groups using χ (2) test. Results:b> A total of 180 012 patients with chronic HBV infection were included, with a median age of 40 years old, and a male proportion accounting for 60.2%. The HBeAg positive rate was 43.3%. Over time, the median age of new patients each year increased from 39 to 47 years, while the HBeAg positive rate decreased from 51.3% to 32.8%. The initial diagnosis of patients was mainly CHB (71.4%), followed by hepatitis B cirrhosis (11.8%), inactive HBsAg carrier status (10.6%), and chronic HBV carrier status (6.2%). Among the newly registered patients every year from 2012 to 2022, the proportion of hepatitis B cirrhosis remained stable, but after 2019, the proportion of CHB increased and the proportion of other diagnoses decreased. The proportion of patients with cirrhosis increased with age in different age groups, with 3.5%, 19.3%, and 30.4% in the < 40, 40-69, and≥70 age groups, respectively. The proportion of women in patients with cirrhosis also increased with age, from 16.1% in those < 30 years old to 44.3% in those≥80 years old. From 2012 to 2022, the proportion of patients receiving first-line nucleos(t)ide analog antiviral treatment increased year by year, from 51.0% in 2012-2013 to 99.8% in 2022. Conclusion:b> The CR-HepB registration data reflect the changes in clinical characteristics and antiviral treatment patterns in patients with chronic HBV infection in China over the past ten years and can thus provide a reference to promote hepatitis B diagnosis and treatment practice, as well as scientific research.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Aged, 80 and over ; Antiviral Agents/therapeutic use* ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/epidemiology* ; Hepatitis B e Antigens ; Hepatitis B/drug therapy* ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; Hepatitis A ; Liver Cirrhosis/drug therapy* ; China/epidemiology* ; Registries ; Hepatitis B virus/genetics* ; DNA, Viral

With the decline in hepatitis B virus (HBV) incidence and the increase in the life expectancy of infected individuals, the population infected with HBV is experiencing rapid aging, leading to an escalating risk of co-morbid chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This study summarizes research related to the comorbidity between HBV and NCDs, discussing the aging of the HBV-infected population, the mechanisms, prevalence, and management of this comorbidity. This study provides insights into potential directions for future research on the comorbidity between HBV and NCDs and aims to provide a basis for further research and the development of prevention and treatment strategies for the comorbidity of NCDs among HBV-infected individuals in China.
Humans ; Hepatitis B virus ; Noncommunicable Diseases/epidemiology* ; Hepatitis B/epidemiology* ; Comorbidity ; China/epidemiology*

With the decline in hepatitis B virus (HBV) incidence and the increase in the life expectancy of infected individuals, the population infected with HBV is experiencing rapid aging, leading to an escalating risk of co-morbid chronic noncommunicable diseases (NCDs). This study summarizes research related to the comorbidity between HBV and NCDs, discussing the aging of the HBV-infected population, the mechanisms, prevalence, and management of this comorbidity. This study provides insights into potential directions for future research on the comorbidity between HBV and NCDs and aims to provide a basis for further research and the development of prevention and treatment strategies for the comorbidity of NCDs among HBV-infected individuals in China.
Humans ; Hepatitis B virus ; Noncommunicable Diseases/epidemiology* ; Hepatitis B/epidemiology* ; Comorbidity ; China/epidemiology*

The Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread globally. Although mixed liver impairment has been reported in COVID-19 patients, the association of liver injury caused by specific subtype especially chronic hepatitis B (CHB) with COVID-19 has not been elucidated. In this multi-center, retrospective, and observational cohort study, 109 CHB and 327 non-CHB patients with COVID-19 were propensity score matched at an approximate ratio of 3:1 on the basis of age, sex, and comorbidities. Demographic characteristics, laboratory examinations, disease severity, and clinical outcomes were compared. Furthermore, univariable and multivariable logistic and Cox regression models were used to explore the risk factors for disease severity and mortality, respectively. A higher proportion of CHB patients (30 of 109 (27.52%)) developed into severe status than non-CHB patients (17 of 327 (5.20%)). In addition to previously reported liver impairment markers, such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total bilirubin, we identified several novel risk factors including elevated lactate dehydrogenase (⩾ 245 U/L, hazard ratio (HR) = 8.639, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 2.528-29.523; P < 0.001) and coagulation-related biomarker D-dimer (⩾ 0.5 µg/mL, HR = 4.321, 95% CI = 1.443-12.939; P = 0.009) and decreased albumin (< 35 g/L, HR = 0.131, 95% CI = 0.048-0.361; P < 0.001) and albumin/globulin ratio (< 1.5, HR = 0.123, 95% CI = 0.017-0.918; P = 0.041). In conclusion, COVID-19 patients with CHB were more likely to develop into severe illness and die. The risk factors that we identified may be helpful for early clinical surveillance of critical progression.
COVID-19 ; Cohort Studies ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors

Hepatitis D virus (HDV) infection causes the most severe form of viral hepatitis with rapid progression to cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Although discovered > 40 years ago, little attention has been paid to this pathogen from both scientific and public communities. However, effectively combating hepatitis D requires advanced scientific knowledge and joint efforts from multi-stakeholders. In this review, we emphasized the recent advances in HDV virology, epidemiology, clinical feature, treatment, and prevention. We not only highlighted the remaining challenges but also the opportunities that can move the field forward.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/complications* ; Hepatitis B virus ; Hepatitis D/epidemiology* ; Hepatitis Delta Virus/genetics* ; Humans ; Liver Cirrhosis/etiology* ; Liver Neoplasms/complications*

Objective:b> To estimate the effectiveness of the primary screening strategy for liver cancer in rural areas to provide basic information for the optimization and perfection of the technical program for the early detection and treatment of liver cancer. Methods:b> Residents including males aged 35-64 and females aged 45-64 from 9 counties in rural China between 2013 and 2015 were selected as the target population. The participant was classified into a high-risk and non-high-risk group based on the standardized questionnaire or HBsAg, and the Chi-squared test was applied to compare differences between the two groups. The Cox proportional hazard regression models were applied to assess hazard ratio (HR) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). Results:b> 358 348 participants were recruited from 2013 to 2015. 1 196 individuals were identified with liver cancer until December 31, 2021, with an incidence density of 52.0/10(5) person-years. Of the participants, 54 650 were assessed as high risk (15.3%) based on the questionnaire and the status of HBsAg. The high-risk population had a higher incidence density (168.3/10(5) person-years vs 31.5/10(5) person-years) and higher risk of developing liver cancer (HR=2.98, 95% CI=2.64-3.35), compared to the non-high-risk group. Based on the questionnaire-based high-risk assessment system, 47 884 (13.4%) individuals were identified as high risk, who showed statistical differences in terms of incidence density and incidence risk, in comparison to the low-risk population (all P<0.05). HBsAg can screen out a higher proportion of high-risk individuals who are women, non-smokers, non-drinkers, and individuals without a family history of liver cancer (all P<0.05). The sensitivity analysis of the effectiveness of the whole primary screening method is stable, and high-risk individuals still had a higher risk of liver cancer. Conclusions:b> The primary screening method of the questionnaire-based risk assessment system and HBsAg can achieve satisfactory effectiveness. The questionnaire-based risk assessment system could identify high-risk individuals to some extent, however, it still needs to be improved to meet the actual requirements.
China/epidemiology* ; Early Detection of Cancer ; Female ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; Humans ; Incidence ; Liver Neoplasms/epidemiology* ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Risk Factors

Objective:b> To analyze the impact of metabolic risk factors on the epidemiological characteristics of the reactivation of inactive HBsAg carriers (IHC) and provide effective intervention measures to standardize the management of chronic hepatitis B infections. Methods:b> Based on the chronic hepatitis B infection cohort established in 2010 in Jiangsu province, six follow-up visits from 2012 to 2020 were conducted to analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of the hepatitis B reactivation of IHC and the impact of metabolic risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and hyperglycemia. Results:b> From 2012 to 2020, 2 527 IHC and 17 730 person-years were observed during a median follow-up period of 7.0 person-years. Ninety-eight cases of hepatitis B reactivation, with a cumulative reaction rate, was 3.9%, and the incidence density was 5.53/1 000 person-years. Multivariate Cox proportional risk regression analysis showed that age and baseline HBV DNA were independent risk factors of HBV reactivation. Compared with the patients ≥60 years, 40-49 age group (aHR=2.16, 95%CI:1.20-3.90) and 20-29 age group (aHR=5.48, 95%CI:2.07-14.48) were significantly associated with hepatitis B reactivation. Compared with the HBV DNA negative patients at baseline, the risk of hepatitis B reactivation was higher in the group with low HBV DNA level 100-1 999 IU/ml (aHR=1.67, 95%CI:1.11-2.52). Stratification analysis results showed that compared with those without metabolic risk factors, in the ≥50 age group, patients with ≥2 metabolic risk factors showed adjusted HR of 2.73 (95%CI:1.08-6.96). Conclusions:b> The risk of hepatitis B being reactive is the persistent existence of IHC in communities in Jiangsu province, especially young adults, low-level HBV DNA carriers, and IHC with ≥2 metabolic risk factors. Follow-up for these IHC should be strengthened to reduce the risk of disease progression by antiviral treatment at the right time.
Cohort Studies ; DNA, Viral ; Hepatitis B/epidemiology* ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; Hepatitis B virus/genetics* ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Risk Factors ; Young Adult