title: The input in early treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Sudan is unmatching the demand of the reported high prevalence.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Despite wide availability of treatment regimens for HBV infection it has remained a common cause of end stage liver disease in the tropics. The aim of this study is: (a) to reaffirm if the high prevalence has persisted and; (b) to ensure if a prerequisite for treatment is performed.
  
  
  METHODS
  The study included two groups. Group A: 50 patients with more advanced liver disease presented with clinical manifestation(s) of portal hypertension. The recommended treatment was offered to them as in-patients. Group B: 25 patients with uncomplicated disease (no portal hypertension) referred for further outpatienevaluation with abnormal LFT and a positive HBsAg and/or antiHCVAb. Liver ultrasound and relevant blood investigations; excluding PCR were done in all patients.
  
  
  RESULTS
  43% of group A presented with haematemesis while ascites and encephalopathy were reported in 30% and 9% respectively. HBsAg was detected in 48% and 14% while anti HCV was detected in 60% and 16% in group A and group B respectively. PCR testing was possible in only minority 9/25 patients (36%). In 2/3 of these PCR results supported the decision to treat. No decision on treatment was made in those who were not PCR tested (64%).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In high HBV prevalence areas it is rational and probably cost effective to consider offering anti-viral treatment when appropriate rather than to remain unenthusiastic about it. This way the disastrous and more costly-to-treat complications could be avoided.
authors: Department of Gastroenterology, The National Ribat University Hospital, P.O. Box 55, Khartoum, Sudan. am.ahmed@hotmail.com
authors: Ahmed Abdul
authors: AA
authors: Mutaal
authors: Khalid
authors: K
authors: Mohamed
authors: Abdul Marouf
authors: AM
authors: Ehhlas
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001706:Biopsy; D005260:Female; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D006801:Humans; D008111:Liver Function Tests; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015995:Prevalence; D013397:Sudan / Q000453:epidemiology; D019562:Viral Load