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HAV hospitalization rate decreased in US from 2002 to 2011

Hospitalizations caused by hepatitis A virus infection declined in the United States from 2002 to 2011, recent study data show.

“While HAV still occurs in the United States, there has been a dramatic decline in cases over the last 20 years due in large part to the introduction of the hepatitis A vaccine,” Melissa Collier, MD, MPH, a medical epidemiologist at the CDC Division of Viral Hepatitis, told Healio.com/Hepatology. “However, HAV is still a concern due to the severity of the disease and its ability to spread. Our study examines trends in HAV infection hospitalizations in the United States.”

Melissa Collier

Using data from the National Inpatient Survey, Collier and colleagues analyzed data of discharged patients who were hospitalized for HAV between 2002 and 2011. Data were used to determine principal discharge diagnosis and to measure the rate of secondary discharge diagnosis as well.

Analyses showed a decreased rate of hospitalization for HAV infection per 100,000 patients from 0.72 to 0.29 (P<.0001) during the study period. However, the average age of hospitalized patients increased from age 37.6 years to 45.5 years (P<.0001), and the percentage of hospitalizations caused by HAV covered by Medicare increased from 12.4% to 22.7% (P<.001). A primary diagnosis of HAV, followed with comorbidities, including alcohol-related liver diseases, nonalcohol-related liver disease and hypertension, increased during the study period as well (P<.0001 for all).   

“We found hospitalization rates due to HAV infection decreased significantly in the United States from 2002 to 2011, but the characteristics of those being hospitalized also changed,” Collier said. “This disease seems to be more troublesome for older patients and those with liver disease or other chronic conditions. Adult vaccination can prevent hepatitis A, and we suggest that clinicians consider vaccinating patients in high-risk groups.” by – Melinda Stevens

Disclosure: The researchers report no relevant financial disclosures.