Active Delta Referral Project to Identify Hepatitis Delta in HBsAg-Positive Adults at Bergamo Medical Centers

What this Trial Is About

Hepatitis Delta HDV is a severe form of chronic viral hepatitis that affects patients who are positive for Hepatitis B surface antigen HBsAg. This research aims to estimate how common anti-HDV positivity is among these patients who are hospitalized or receiving care at specific healthcare units in Bergamo. The study also compares these findings to existing data on outpatients. The goal is to improve understanding and management of HDV, which is often underdiagnosed due to low physician awareness and lack of automatic screening. This study evaluates a new HDV-reflex screening method introduced in 2025 to identify HDV infections more effectively among HBsAg-positive patients. The test is expected to increase screening rates, provide accurate prevalence estimates, and improve referral and treatment pathways. By identifying patients earlier, the study hopes to reduce the number of people who first see a liver specialist with advanced HDV-related liver disease. Participants in this observational study include hospitalized patients or those attending specific clinics who are HBsAg-positive. They will be tested for anti-HDV using the new screening method. Researchers will measure the percentage of patients who test positive for anti-HDV at baseline. The study involves collecting data during diagnosis and aims to monitor changes in referral and treatment patterns over time, contributing to better clinical care for HDV patients.

"Referral Attivo" Delta, Dallo Screening Alla Presa in Carico.