Researchers studied trends in hepatitis A hospitalizations using National Inpatient Survey discharge data. The study showed the rate of hospitalization from hepatitis A infections declined from 0.72 per 100,000 cases to 0.29 per 100,000 from 2002 to 2011.
During the same period of time, the average age of hospitalized patients increased from 38 to 46 years, and the percentage of Medicare-covered hepatitis A-related hospitalizations increased from 12 percent to 23 percent.
Additionally, the study found an increase in comorbidities, including liver disease, hypertension, heart disease, metabolic syndromes and chronic kidney disease.
Study authors noted vaccinating adults may help prevent hepatitis A infections, suggesting physicians should consider vaccinating patients in high risk groups.
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