Viral hepatitis and HIV-associated tuberculosis: Risk factors and TB treatment outcomes in Thailand
2008

Viral Hepatitis and HIV-Associated Tuberculosis in Thailand

Sample size: 769 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Sirinak Chawin, Kittikraisak Wanitchaya, Pinjeesekikul Duangporn, Charusuntonsri Pricha, Luanloed Phinai, Srisuwanvilai La-ong, Nateniyom Sriprapa, Akksilp Somsak, Likanonsakul Sirirat, Sattayawuthipong Wanchai, Burapat Channawong, Varma Jay K

Primary Institution: Department of Health, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, Bangkok, Thailand

Hypothesis

What are the risk factors for viral hepatitis and how do they affect TB treatment outcomes in HIV-infected patients?

Conclusion

Markers of viral hepatitis infection were common among HIV-infected TB patients in Thailand but were not strongly associated with death or clinical hepatitis during TB treatment.

Supporting Evidence

  • 70 (9%) were reactive for HBsAg, 237 (31%) for anti-HCV.
  • 493 (64%) were successfully treated at the end of TB treatment.
  • Factors associated with HBsAg reactivity included being a man who has sex with men and having low TB knowledge.
  • Injection drug use history was strongly associated with anti-HCV reactivity.

Takeaway

This study looked at people with both HIV and TB in Thailand to see how often they also had hepatitis. It found that many had hepatitis, but it didn't seem to make their TB treatment worse.

Methodology

An observational study evaluating risk factors for viral hepatitis and TB treatment outcomes among HIV-infected TB patients.

Potential Biases

Potential underreporting of injection drug use and other risk factors.

Limitations

Limited laboratory testing and potential non-representative sample of HIV-infected TB patients.

Participant Demographics

Median age of 34 years, predominantly male, with a significant portion having low TB knowledge.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.02

Confidence Interval

95% CI, 1.1–4.3 for HBsAg reactivity

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-2458-8-245

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