P175 Engagement and retention of young people living with chronic hepatitis B is linked to successful transfer of care to adult health services

<h3>Objective of Study</h3> To determine the incidence of young people (YP) with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who were successfully linked to adult health services (AHS) following transition from a dedicated paediatric viral hepatitis service (PVHS) and identify barriers contributing to non-linkage of care. <h3>Methods</h3> A retrospective review of YP followed up at a PVHS liver centre in the United Kingdom who transitioned to AHS between 2018–2023. Non linkage was defined as nonattendance of at least one of the two initial outpatient appointments in AHS after transitioning. Data was obtained from electronic records at PVHS and AHS sites. <h3>Results</h3> No YP were lost to follow up at PVHS. Of the 70 YP transitioned to AHS, 35 (50%) were during the SARS-CoV-2 lock down period. Sixty-one YP (87%) were successfully linked to AHS. Mode of transmission was vertical in 44, horizontal in 4 and unknown in 22. Majority were Asians 42(60%). Of the 37 and 31 YP who were offered in person and virtual transition appointments respectively at the pediatric center, 23 attended in each group. Twenty three patients had received antivirals for CHB either for clinical reasons or as part of a research study. Thirteen patients on antivirals (Entecavir or Tenofovir) at time of transition were successfully linked to AHS. All 16 YP with comorbidities were linked to AHS. Nine patients were not linked to AHS and the risk factors identified were – 1 referral was not received by AHS, 1 YP was asylum seeker, 1 was known to have frequent nonattendance in PVHS, 2 not contactable by AHS and no clear cause identified in 4 (see table 1). <h3>Conclusion</h3> The majority of YP with CHB were successfully linked to AHS. However, the lockdown period and other factors led to some being lost to follow-up in adult services, suggesting the importance of in person consultations and frequent engagement with YP.