Home > Review Articles > Hepatoma screening and follow up of HBsAg positive tests results at Tauranga Hospital, a 5 year retrospective audit

Hepatoma screening and follow up of HBsAg positive tests results at Tauranga Hospital, a 5 year retrospective audit

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From Māori Health Review Issue 11
Authors:
  • Newbury R et al
Summary:

Tauranga Hospital case notes and electronic records were reviewed retrospectively (2002–7) for inpatient episodes coded as either liver cell carcinoma, unspecified carcinoma, liver failure, cirrhosis and several other related codes. HBsAg+ individuals from the Medlab database (2002–7) were cross-referenced against the National Database of HBsAg+ persons, to find those not known. The aims of the study were to screen for hepatomas more effectively at Tauranga Hospital and to improve HBsAg+ patient referral rates to the hepatitis foundation. Six hepatomas were identified secondary to HBV, one in a screening programme of 6 monthly ultrasounds and serum alpha-fetoprotein measurements. Medlab identified 1761 HBsAg+ individuals, of which only 1295 were known to the national database.

Comment:
Hepatitis and its effects remains a major issue for Mäori with liver cancer four times more common in Mäori compared with non Mäori, and death rates almost four times higher also. Survival from liver cancer is improved significantly when diagnosed early through blood tests. This small study from Tauranga highlights the importance of a dedicated screening service – not only did they identify more people at risk than the national database, the process by which people are screened, diagnosed and treated can be greatly improved.
Reference: N Z Med J. 2007;120(1266):U2848
Abstract
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Independent commentary by Dr. Matire Hardwood

Dr Matire Harwood (Ngapuhi) has worked in Hauora Māori, primary health and rehabilitation settings as clinician and researcher since graduating from Auckland Medical School in 1994. She also holds positions on a number of boards, committees and advisory groups including the Health Research Council. Matire lives in Auckland with her whānau including partner Haunui and two young children Te Rangiura and Waimarie.

Research Review publications are intended for New Zealand health professionals.

Disclaimer: This publication is not intended as a replacement for regular medical education but to assist in the process. The reviews are a summarised interpretation of the published study and reflect the opinion of the writer rather than those of the research group or scientific journal. It is suggested readers review the full trial data before forming a final conclusion on its merits.

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