TBA (25S144)

HCV in a Changing Population: Demographic Stability and Genotype Patterns at St Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny

Author(s)

L O’Byrne, S McGurk, C Mc Closkey, A Buggy, P Carroll, C Cox, G Courtney

Department(s)/Institutions

Hepatology Unit, St. Luke’s General Hospital, Kilkenny

Introduction

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection remains a persistent public health challenge, with demographic shifts influenced by migration and evolving risk factors. Understanding these changes is key to optimising treatment strategies and resource allocation.

Aims/Background

To examine demographic trends, genotype distribution, and cirrhosis prevalence among HCV patients at St. Luke’s Hospital, Kilkenny, between 2016 and 2024.

Method

A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 202 patients treated for HCV between 2016 and 2024. Demographic variables included age, gender, country of birth, and year of presentation. Clinical data included HCV genotype and presence of cirrhosis. Descriptive statistics, Chi-Square tests, one-way ANOVA, and multinomial logistic regression were performed using SPSS.

Results

A total of 202 patients were treated. 67% of patients were male. The median age was 46 years. Most patients were born in Ireland (45.5%), Eastern Europe (16.8%), or other European countries (15.3%). There were no significant differences in age at presentation across years (p = 0.449) or by country of birth (p = 0.367). Gender distribution did not vary significantly over time (p = 0.373) or between countries (p = 0.107). Genotype distribution differed significantly by country of birth (p < 0.001): Genotype 1b was more common in Eastern and Other European patients, while Genotypes 1a and 3 predominated among Irish-born individuals. Genotypes 3 and 4 were more frequent among non-European patients. 77% of patients were non-cirrhotic and cirrhosis prevalence was not significantly associated with genotype (p = 0.071) nor country of birth (p = 0.064). While country of origin did not significantly change over time (p = 0.224), descriptive analysis suggested an increasing trend in non-Irish born patients.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates stable demographic patterns in HCV presentations over time, with clear genotype variations by region. Ongoing surveillance of these trends is important to inform service planning and ensure tailored care for an evolving patient population.