Utilisation of hepatocellular carcinoma screening in Australians at risk of hepatitis B virus-related carcinoma and prescribed anti-viral therapy.

Aims And Objectives: To investigate hepatocellular carcinoma screening utilisation and factors associated with utilisation among patients prescribed hepatitis B virus anti-viral therapy and at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Background: The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma has increased in Australia over the past three decades with chronic hepatitis B virus infection a major contributor. hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance programs aim to detect cancers early enabling curative treatment options, longer survival and longer times to recurrence.

Factors associated with non-adherence to HBV antiviral therapy.

Background: HBV antiviral therapy has the potential to reduce the burden of HBV-related liver disease by suppressing HBV DNA replication to undetectable levels, reducing the progression of liver fibrosis and reducing the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. Treatment outcomes and long-term benefits require adherence to medication regimens. This study aimed to identify the prevalence and factors associated with non-adherence to antiviral therapy.

Factors associated with HBV virological breakthrough.

Background: Little is known about non-adherence to HBV therapy. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between self-reported missed days of antiviral therapy and HBV virological breakthrough and factors associated with virological breakthrough.

Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 211 HBV patients receiving oral antiviral therapies was undertaken at three tertiary hospitals in Sydney, Australia.

Efficacy and safety of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate in pregnancy to prevent perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus.

Background & Aims: Perinatal transmission of hepatitis B virus still occurs despite immunoprophylaxis in approximately 9% of children from highly viraemic mothers. Antiviral therapy in this setting has been suggested, however with limited evidence to direct agent choice.

Methods: We conducted a multi-centre, prospective, opt-in observational study of antiviral safety and efficacy in pregnant women with high viral load (>7 log IU/ml); lamivudine was used from 2007 to 2010 and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) from late 2010.