4 Apr 2025 • Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection more than doubles the risk of developing kidney disease (KD), according to a large US-based study (2006-2020).

Patients with HBV had a significantly higher likelihood of KD compared to non-HBV individuals (HR 2.18), with risks escalating in those with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, or obesity.

By age 75, 19% of HBV patients with these conditions developed KD, compared to just 6% of non-HBV patients. Importantly, antiviral therapy reduced KD risk by 39%, highlighting the protective role of HBV treatment.

These findings reinforce the need for early HBV screening and prompt antiviral therapy, particularly in high-risk patients, to prevent kidney complications.

Source: BMC Nephrology | Read Full Story