High Incidence of Hepatitis B Infection-Associated Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Southeast Asian Patients with Portal Vein Thrombosis
Author Information
Author(s): Lertpipopmetha Korn, Auewarakul Chirayu U
Primary Institution: Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the frequency, clinical presentations, and risk factors of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) in the Southeast Asian population.
Conclusion
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is the major risk factor for portal vein thrombosis in the Southeast Asian population.
Supporting Evidence
- Chronic HBV infection was identified as the main etiology associated with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma leading to PVT.
- Patients with PVT predominantly presented with abdominal distension/ascites, splenomegaly, and abdominal pain.
- Risk factors for PVT included malignancy, cirrhosis, and abdominal infections.
Takeaway
This study found that many people in Southeast Asia with portal vein thrombosis have liver problems caused by hepatitis B.
Methodology
A retrospective study analyzing hospital medical records of patients diagnosed with portal vein thrombosis and other abdominal veins from 2000 to 2009.
Limitations
The study is retrospective, and complete thrombophilic investigations may not have been performed in all cases.
Participant Demographics
Predominantly male (65%), aged older than 40 years (75%).
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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