Risk of Liver Cancer From Hepatitis B Persists Even After Clearing the Virus
Long-term infection with hepatitis B virus (HBV) can cause liver inflammation and increase the risk of liver cancer. Researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), however, found that resolving HBV infection was not associated with reduced rates of liver cancer.
A total of 238 patients who resolved HBV infection and 435 patients who did not were selected from among 1346 patients with chronic HBV infection followed for up to 31 years. The liver cancer risk, measured as a hazard ratio (HR), in patients after resolving HBV infection was similar compared with the risk in patients who did not resolve infection (HR: 0.7; 95% confidence interval: 0.2-2.4).
"Since the risk of liver cancer persists among adults with apparent cure of the infection, they might still need to be followed closely," said Dr. Prabhu Gounder, lead author of the Alimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics article.
Source: Wiley
Endoscopes and Lumened Instruments: New Studies Highlight Persistent Contamination Risks
May 7th 2025Two new studies reveal troubling contamination in both new endoscopes and cleaned lumened surgical instruments, challenging the reliability of current reprocessing practices and manufacturer guidelines.
Happy Hand Hygiene Day! Rethinking Glove Use for Safer, Cleaner, and More Ethical Health Care
May 5th 2025Despite their protective role, gloves are often misused in health care settings—undermining hand hygiene, risking patient safety, and worsening environmental impact. Alexandra Peters, PhD, points out that this misuse deserves urgent attention, especially today, World Hand Hygiene Day.
