[The characteristics of patients with hepatitis C virus antibodies followed in specialized university hospital units are different from those of patients in the general population. The Research Group of the REBOHC].
OBJECTIVE
To compare the characteristics of patients with anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies followed in a University Hospital Department of Hepatogastroenterology with those in patients who received medical care elsewhere.


METHODS
Since 1994, a specialized viral hepatitis register has recorded since 1994 all new cases of anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies diagnosed in inhabitants of the French department of Côte-d'Or (493931). The factors correlated with the type of medical care in patients followed in the University Department were studied by logistical regression.


RESULTS
One hundred of the 498 new patients with anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies diagnosed in the Côte-d'Or between 1994 and 1996 were followed in a University Hospital Department. Multivariate analysis showed that age (<60), contamination due to transfusion, elevated ALT levels and no excessive alcohol consumption were factors significantly correlated with follow-up at the University Department. Liver biopsy was more often performed (66%) and a treatment was more often prescribed (34%) in patients followed in a University Department of Hepatogastroenterology patients than in other patients (20.4%; P <0.0001 et 7.5%; P <0.0001 respectively).


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that patients with anti-hepatitis C virus antibodies who are followed by a specialised University Department are a selected group; these patients are more likely to be treated than others. This study emphasizes that the greatest care must be taken when extending the extension of results of hospital series to a non-selected population.
Goegebeur
G
G
Registre des Hépatites Virales B et C de Côte-d'Or, Centre d'Epidémiologie de Population de l'Université de Bourgogne, Faculté de Médecine, Dijon.
Benhamiche
A M
AM
Minello
A
A
Rassiat
E
E
Clinard
F
F
Milan
C
C
Faivre
J
J
Hillon
P
P
D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D005602:France; D006526:Hepatitis C / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy*; D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies / Q000032:analysis; D019698:Hepatitis C, Chronic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D006785:Hospitals, University; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D018579:Patient Selection; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D018937:Hepatitis C Antibodies