Epidemiological Characteristics of Hepatitis B Positive Patients in Oman between 2009 and 2019: A Retrospective Cohort Study

The prevalence of chronic hepatitis in Oman was estimated to 2-7% prior to the introduction of vaccination. However, HBV remains a major concern among unvaccinated individuals, especially older adults. Objective: The study aim is to describe the epidemiological characteristics of HBV positive patients at a specialized liver clinic at the Armed Forces Hospital, between January 2009 and December 2019. A retrospective cohort study was undertaken, and secondary data were obtained from electronic medical records. Results: 593 patients with positive HBV serology were identified. Fifty-nine percent of patients were male, with a mean age of 42 years (SD: 10.05) compared to females (43 years, SD: 10.70). Eighty-five percent (492/580) of the patients were treatment naïve. Eighty-eight percent showed detectable HBV viremia. The median level of HBV DNA among chronic hepatitis BV patients who are HBeAg-positive was significantly higher: 1 884 847 IU/ml (IQR: 81662-486924145), as compared to the rest of chronic hepatitis BV patients: 339 IU/ml (IQR: 33.5-3366). Elevated ALT (≥ 40 IU/ ml) was found in 29% of the patients. liver abnormalities were detected by ultrasound in 28% (165) of patients. Treatment was introduced in 15% of patients. Conclusion: The majority of HBV patients were seronegative for HB-Ag and were born before the vaccination era. Therefore, these patients with hepatitis B in dormancy do not need treatment, but regular monitoring and follow-up.