Association between exposure to hepatitis B virus and chronic kidney disease in China

Objective: Hospital-based, cross-sectional study to determine whether exposure to hepatitis B virus (HBV) has an independent effect on the risk of developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). Methods: Han Chinese adults undergoing routine physical examinations were recruited. Blood was tested for the presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) antibodies, HBV surface antigen, and antibodies against HBV core antigen and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg). CKD was defined as estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 ml/min per 1.73m(2) or presence of albuminuria. Results: The prevalence of HBV exposure was 42.1% (6 418/15 259 participants). There were no significant associations between HBV or HCV status and CKD, low eGFR or albuminuria. Conclusion: There was no association between exposure to HBV and the risk of developing CKD in this Chinese study population.