Hepatocellular carcinoma in HDV infected patients from Republic of Moldova: from risk factors to survival

Abstract

Moldova is the European country with the highest incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in both sexes. The problem of viral hepatitis burden in Moldova is known for a long time as it has been reported as early as Soviet Union period There is, however, no data comprehensively describing the presentation and the risk factors of HCC in the country. We decided to analyze cases of HCC recently received in a tertiary healthcare Institution from Chisinau, Republic of Moldova. Methods: A series of 154 of HCC were retrospectively analyzed for demographic features, serological and biochemical data, and clinical presentation. Results: The mean age of patients was 57±9.12 years (range: 19-67) with a M:F sex ratio of 1.7. 18.5% of patients was infected with the HDV, a situation that concerned therefore almost one-half of HBsAg(+) patients (47.2%). Overall, at least one of the viruses responsible for persistent liver infectious (HBV, HCV or HDV) was present in more than 81% of cases.