2nd leg of Hepa B summit set to open here today

The second leg of the Hepatitis B Summit will be held here today at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel, with delegates from the professional medical community arriving to meet with Cebu counterparts.

The summit is part of an ongoing advocacy that endeavors to build awareness not only among chronic Hepatitis B patients, but within the medical community as well.

Key medical societies composed of the Asian Pacific Association for the Study of the Liver, Philippine Society of Gastroenterology, Hepatology Society of the Philippines, Philippine Cancer Society, Philippine Association for the Study of Liver Diseases and Philippine Foundation for Vaccination will discuss key issues pertaining to vaccination; latest treatment options and employability of those who have hepatitis B. Workshops and discussions are expected to benefit all doctors who will attend the summit.

Hepatitis B is recognized by the World Health Organization as the most common serious liver infection in the world. The disease is so serious that lack of treatment may lead to cirrhosis of the liver, liver cancer, liver failure, and eventually death. The problem, however, is compounded by the fact that very few hepatitis B patients are aware that they are infected.

A study made by a research group called Synovate Healthcare revealed that most patients suffering from chronic hepatitis B in Asia initially did not suspect that they were infected. The same study conducted in the Philippines from November to December of 2004 also showed similar results - most chronic hepatitis B patients were not aware that they were carriers of the virus.

Another key finding of the survey showed CHB patients have a poor understanding of the disease. A relatively higher number said they do not know how the disease actually develops.

The respondents in the Philippine survey expressed initial shock upon finding out that they were infected, giving them deep concern about their condition. This concern was more on possibly infecting others, social stigma, and career threats.

Despite the lack of awareness, the CHB patients gave their doctors high ratings of satisfaction in terms of consultation, additional education about the ailment, and treatment care. Consequently, they rely on their doctors to make treatment decisions for them.

Clinical trials showed that antivirals like lamivudine and adefovir dipivoxil can be very effective in suppressing the hepatitis B virus. In various studies, continuous treatment with lamivudine among CHB patients significantly reduces progression to cirrhosis and incidence of liver cancer. Adefovir, on the other hand, has also shown potent antiviral activity but with less risk of resistance.

A Senate Bill requiring all newborn babies to be vaccinated against hepatitis B within 24 hours after birth is currently pending resolution. Health Secretary Francisco Duque pushed the passing of the bill during the observance of the National Cancer Consciousness Week early this year.

More deliberations surrounding this information are expected to be raised during the summit. All doctors are encouraged to participate in this first-of-a-kind event for Hepa B in Cebu. For registration and further information, interested parties may call the Hepa B Hotline at (02) 8921782 or email: [email protected]. - Jasmin R. Uy