Hepatitis C virus genotype 1b as a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma development: A meta-analysis

Background/Aims: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a known risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but whether the risk varies among patients infected with different HCV genotypes is still controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to clarify whether the genotype 1b is associated with a higher risk of HCC than other genotypes. Methods: We identified 57 relevant papers through a literature search to December 2007 but, since age could represent a major confounder, we focused the meta-analysis on the 21 studies presenting age-adjusted risk estimates for HCV genotype 1b vs. other genotypes. We used random-effects models with the DerSimonian–Laird method and assessed heterogeneity between studies and publication bias. Results: Patients infected with HCV genotype 1b have almost double the risk to develop HCC than those infected with other genotypes (Relative Risk (95% Confidence Intervals)=1.78(1.36–2.32)). The pooled risk estimate was somewhat lower when we restricted the analysis to the eight studies conducted in patients with liver cirrhosis (1.60;1.07–2.39) or considering the 36 studies presenting only crude data (1.63;1.30–2.06). In seven studies excluding patients with liver cirrhosis, the RR (95% CI) increased to 2.46(1.69–3.59). Conclusions: This meta-analysis suggests that HCV genotype 1b plays an important role in HCC development, especially in patients with early stage liver disease. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]