Clinical Characteristics of Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients in Southwest Nigeria

Vivian N Nwude; Olufunmilayo A Lesi; Charles Onyekwere; Emilie Charpentier; Judith M Hübschen

doi:10.3390/pathogens14020169

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Clinical Characteristics of Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients in Southwest Nigeria

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Clinical Characteristics of Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients in Southwest Nigeria

Vivian N Nwude, Olufunmilayo A Lesi, Charles Onyekwere, Emilie Charpentier and Judith M Hübschen

Pathogens (Basel), Vol.14(2), p.169

02/08/2025

DOI: 10.3390/pathogens14020169

PMCID: PMC11858220

PMID: 40005544

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Abstract

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in West Africa, but its presentation is poorly understood. In this study, we describe the clinical characteristics of HBV-associated HCC patients in Lagos, Nigeria. Data for all cases were collected at the emergency and gastroenterology units (2017-2019), considering chronic carriers as controls. Clinical data and routine biochemical and radiologic test results were extracted from the files. The serum biomarkers (Osteopontin, AFP-L3, DCP) were investigated. For some cases, the hepatitis B viral load was determined. The mean age of the cases ( = 92) was 41.4 years, compared to 39.9 years for the controls ( = 100). Clinically, 69.5% of cases presented with ascites, 66.3% had nodules occupying >50% of the liver, and 67.4% had moderate hepatic encephalopathy. The mean viral load and the median values of Osteopontin, AFP-L3, and DCP for the cases were significantly higher than for the controls ( < 0.001). The area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity were significantly higher for Osteopontin, compared with DCP and AFP-L3 ( < 0.001). Most HCC patients presented at a late disease stage, when the prognosis is usually poor. Especially Osteopontin seems to have potential for early HCC detection and could possibly complement AFP and abdominal ultrasound scan for risk-group screening.

Adult

Aged

alpha-Fetoproteins - analysis

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - diagnosis

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - epidemiology

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - etiology

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - pathology

Carcinoma, Hepatocellular - virology

Female

Hepatitis B - complications

Hepatitis B - virology

Hepatitis B virus

Hepatitis B, Chronic - complications

Hepatitis B, Chronic - virology

Humans

Liver Neoplasms - diagnosis

Liver Neoplasms - epidemiology

Liver Neoplasms - etiology

Liver Neoplasms - pathology

Liver Neoplasms - virology

Male

Middle Aged

Nigeria - epidemiology

Osteopontin - blood

Viral Load

Details

Title: Subtitle: Clinical Characteristics of Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients in Southwest Nigeria
Creators: Vivian N Nwude - University of Iowa
Olufunmilayo A Lesi - University of Lagos
Charles Onyekwere - Lagos State University Teaching Hospital
Emilie Charpentier - Luxembourg Institute of Health
Judith M Hübschen - Luxembourg Institute of Health
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Pathogens (Basel), Vol.14(2), p.169
DOI: 10.3390/pathogens14020169
PMID: 40005544
PMCID: PMC11858220
NLM abbreviation: Pathogens
ISSN: 2076-0817
eISSN: 2076-0817
Grant note: NA / Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs, Defence, Development Cooperation and Foreign Trade and the Luxembourg Institute of Health
Language: English
Date published: 02/08/2025
Academic Unit: Internal Medicine
Record Identifier: 9984823120502771

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