Prescreening versus empirical immunization for hepatitis A in patients with chronic liver disease: a prospective cost analysis.
OBJECTIVE
There are few prospective studies estimating the prevalence of hepatitis A in chronic liver disease patients. Furthermore, there are minimal cost-comparative data as to whether or not screening for hepatitis A exposure before immunization is an effective fiscal strategy. The objectives of this study were to determine the prevalence of prior hepatitis A infection and to perform a prospective cost analysis for hepatitis A immunization in patients with chronic liver disease.


METHODS
This is a prospective cohort study of 100 patients with chronic liver diseases. Patients were screened for potential risk factors for hepatitis A including history of jaundice, socioeconomic status, birth origin, and ethnic background. Each patient underwent testing for evidence of prior infection using an ELISA. Seronegative patients then went on to receive an immunization series. Cost analysis of vaccination without prescreening (universal strategy) was compared to cost analysis of prescreening and selective immunization of those without prior infection (selective strategy).


RESULTS
Fifty-three patients (53%) had serological evidence of prior hepatitis A infection (95% CI = 43-63%). Of the risk factors assessed, foreign birth was associated with prior hepatitis A exposure (p = 0.0002). Cost analysis revealed that prescreening for hepatitis A before vaccination was cost saving given the current prevalence.


CONCLUSIONS
The seroprevalence of hepatitis A in those with chronic liver diseases was 53%. Cost analysis revealed that screening for hepatitis A before immunization is cost saving, and this strategy should be applied to follow current vaccination guidelines.
Duncan
Marten
M
Hirota
William K
WK
Tsuchida
Amy
A
D002908:Chronic Disease; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006506:Hepatitis A / Q000191:economics* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines / Q000191:economics*; D006801:Humans; D007115:Immunization Schedule; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000150:complications*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies
D022362:Hepatitis A Vaccines