Hepatitis in Non-Hospitalized Young Drug Addicts

Jacobsen

Acta Odontologica Scandinavica

1984

In 138 male Norwegian prisoners the prevalence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) serum markers was 30.4% and closely related to their drug abuse. The highest frequency of the markers (82.8%) was found in young drug addicts admitting intravenous abuse and the lowest (14.3%) in prisoners denying such abuse. For comparison, the frequency of HBV serum markers in the general male population in Norway is about 4.1%. In young prisoners (less than 30 years), DMF teeth, percentage of gingival bleeding, and percentage of periodontal pockets greater than 4 mm were on an average 18.8, 38.2%, and 7.0%, respectively. These corresponding figures in the older age group (greater than 30 years) were 21.7, 38.5%, and 15.2%. These findings indicate a dental health status somewhere between that of the general population and disadvantaged groups in Norway previously surveyed. Other oral pathological conditions were present in more than one third of the prisoners, but mucosal lesions and disorders of psychosomatic origin did not extend normal ranges. No characteristic lesions attributable to drug abuse were observed. Dental care was given a low priority by the prisoners. Emergency procedures had been the treatment of choice at infrequent, irregular visits to the dentist, leading to enhanced risk of bleeding and of HBV transmission.

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 86%

“…This is a higher frequency than found in the general population (4) but lower than previously found among drug addicts (5) in the country. The addicts are considered a risk group.…”

contrasting

confidence: 61%

Hepatitis B serum markers and oral health in a group of Norwegian male prisoners

Jacobsen

Acta Odontologica Scandinavica

1984

British Journal of Addiction to Alcohol & Other Drugs

“…They noted also that a persistently abnormal ALT was associated with chronic infiammatory liver disease. Andersen et al (1973) showed that out of 93 patients 30 per cent had AST/ALT values above 40 units. The AP was 50-100 units but was not considered abnormal, mainly in the 18-20 years age group.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 98%

The Problem of Hepatitis among Drug Abusers in a Forensic/Psychiatric Unit

Judson¹

1978

The answers to three questions were sought: In Unit conditions, how infective is hepatitis B? Can its onset be detected by blood tests before the onset of illness? Have adequate precautions been taken?The risk of cross-infection based on the precautions was found to be small and no cases were recorded. The measures for prevention were adequate. It proved impossible to predict the onset of hepatitis. Normal blood tests can rapidly change; consequently, every patient must be regarded as an infection risk.

“…The spread of this epidemic was largely through drug users sharing syringes [1,2]. Most of the patients were treated at Ullevål University Hospital.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

A 25-Year Follow-Up Study of Drug Addicts Hospitalised for Acute Hepatitis: Present and Past Morbidity

Gjeruldsen

Myrvang²,

Opjordsmoen³

2003

Eur Addict Res

The aim of the study was to investigate present and past morbidity in drug addicts, 25 years after hospitalisation for acute hepatitis B or hepatitis nonA-nonB. The hospital records for 214 consecutively admitted patients were analysed, and a follow-up study on 66 of the 144 patients still alive was performed. At follow-up, 1 of 54 (1.8%) hepatitis B patients was still HBsAg positive. Twelve patients originally diagnosed as hepatitis nonA-nonB were all among 54 found to be anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV) positive, and the total anti-HCV prevalence was 81.8%. Twelve (22.2%) of the HCV cases were unknown before the follow-up examination. Four (6.1%) participants were anti-human immunodeficiency virus positive, only 1 was on antiretroviral therapy, and none had developed AIDS. Other chronic somatic diseases were a minor problem, whereas drug users reported skin infections as a frequent complication. Forty-three patients (65%) had abandoned addictive drugs since the hospital stay. Serious mental disorders were reported by 19 patients (28.8%), and 17 (25.8%) regarded themselves as present (9) and former (8) compulsive alcohol drinkers. A large proportion of the participants were granted disability pension (39%), a majority because of psychiatric disorders, drug and alcohol abuse.