BOSTON -- Testing, treatment and surveillance of patients who are infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) and are treated at the nation's Veterans Affairs Medical Centers appear to be "suboptimal," researchers reported here.
In reviewing the patient records of 21,828 patients at these facilities who tested positive for HBV infection, Marina Serper, MD, of the Philadelphia VA Medical Center/University of Pennsylvania, determined that:
- 73% underwent liver function tests.
- 56% received a diagnosis.
- 31% were referred to a specialist.
- 26% had DNA analyses performed.
- 25% received antiviral treatment.
- 13% were screened for hepatocellular cancer.
Labels: AASLD 2014, surveillance and testing, VA, veterans