[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]

Abstract

Objectives: 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.