The Netherlands journal of medicine
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In the Netherlands, approximately 200 patients die annually from a chronic hepatitis B (CHB) infection, even though effective antiviral treatment is available. There are an estimated 49,000 Dutch CHB patients. Many of these patients have been lost to follow-up (LFU) over time. The study aimed to trace LFU CHB patients in the province of Utrecht and bring them back into care. ⋯ Lost to follow-up CHB patients can be traced through screening of past positive HBsAg tests. There was willingness among GPs to participate in the retrieval of CHB patients. This may contribute to the reduction of the CHB-related burden of disease.