Risk factors in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection

Medical Review (Med. pregled), 2026, 62(2), 12-20.

N. Stanchev, D. Stefanova-Petrova

Department of Propaedeutics of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University – Sofia, University Hospital “Alexandrovska”

Abstract: Chronic hepatitis B is a major worldwide health, therapeutic and socio-economic problem affecting all nations across the globe. The main goal of therapy with nucleoside/nucleotide analogues is to stop viral replication and prevent the progression of the disease towards cirrhosis and/or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Treatment is usually long-term, lasting upwards of 10 years, and rarely reaches the end goal – positive anti-HBs antibodies, which are virus-neutralizing. Although modern treatment options are effective at inhibiting viral replication, the risk of progression towards HCC is lowered, but not eliminated. Common diseases such as diabetes mellitus, arterial hypertension and obesity are often seen in patients with chronic hepatitis B infection, and they could have an effect on HCC risk. Through our work, we aim to determine if there is a correlation between these diseases and HCC in patients who are treated for viral hepatitis B (HBV).

Key words: hepatitis B, HCC, diabetes, obesity, arterial hypertension

Address for correspondence: Nikola Stanchev, MD, e-mail: n.stanchev@abv.bg