Journal article
Longitudinal observation of viral load changes in untreated HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B
CMN Croagh, SJ Bell, RY Chen, S Locarnini, PV Desmond
Acta Gastro Enterologica Belgica | UNIV CATHOLIQUE LOUVAIN-UCL | Published : 2013
Abstract
Introduction: An HBV DNA level of 2000 IU/ml has been used to differentiate HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B from the inactive carrier state. We sought to examine the nature and frequency of fluctuations in viral load and ALT around this threshold. Methods: A retrospective review of St Vincent's Hospital database was performed to identify patients who had been observed, untreated, with HBV DNA and ALT levels over a period of at least 18 months. Results: 27 HBeAg negative patients with HBV DNA < 2000 IU/ ml at baseline (Group 1) and 20 HBeAg negative patients with HBV DNA ≥ 2000 IU/ml (Group 2) were identified. Of group 1 patients, only 8/27 had persistently normal ALT and HBV DNA persisten..
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Funding Acknowledgements
Dr Catherine Croagh was the recipient of scholarship funding from the University of Melbourne and the NHMRC during the period in which this work was undertaken. The authors wish to thank Mr Paul Bassett for assistance with statistical analysis. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.