FREQUENCY OF CHRONIC VIRAL HEPATITIS (B AND C) AMONG THE PATIENTS OF HCC PRESENTING IN SOCIAL SECURITY HOSPITAL FAISALABAD

Abstract

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with chronic viral hepatitis being a major etiological factor.

Objective:

This study was conducted to determine the frequency of viral hepatitis among patients diagnosed with HCC and to assess the proportion of patients with co-infection of hepatitis B and C.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out at Social Security Hospital Faisalabad over a period of six months.(December 24 to May 25) A total of 95 patients aged 18–70 years with confirmed HCC were included using non-probability consecutive sampling. Diagnosis of HCC was established through ultrasound findings, serum alpha-fetoprotein levels (>200 ng/ml), and confirmatory imaging with tri-phasic CT scan or MRI. Detection of Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C was performed using real-time PCR. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26.0.

Results: Among the study population, hepatitis C was the most common etiology, observed in 50.5% of patients, followed by hepatitis B in 22.1%. Co-infection with both hepatitis B and C was identified in 17.9% of cases, while 9.5% of patients had non-B non-C HCC. Diabetes mellitus (60%), hypertension (34.7%), and smoking (42.1%) were frequently observed comorbidities. However, no statistically significant association was found between hepatitis status and these risk factors (p > 0.05).

Conclusion: Hepatitis C remains the predominant cause of HCC in this cohort, followed by hepatitis B and co-infection. A considerable proportion of non-viral HCC highlights the emerging role of metabolic risk factors. Integrated strategies focusing on early detection and management of viral hepatitis along with control of metabolic comorbidities are essential to reduce the burden of HCC.

Keywords: Hepatocellular carcinoma, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Co-infection, Risk factors