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Profile of hepatitis B e antigen-negative chronic hepatitis B
D N Amarapurkar1, R Baijal, P P Kulshrestha
1Department of Gastroenterology, Bombay Hospital, Mumbai. deepakn@bom3.vsnl.net.in
Summary
HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B is common, affecting 61% of patients, and can lead to significant liver disease. This condition is not benign and requires attention in hepatitis B virus (HBV) management.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis B can occur in patients negative for hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg).
- The prevalence and clinical significance of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B are not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
- To describe the clinical profile of HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 363 HBsAg-positive patients with chronic HBV infection.
- Assessment of liver profile, HBeAg, anti-HBe antibody, and serum HBV DNA levels.
- Classification of patients into groups based on ALT levels and presence of cirrhosis.
Main Results:
- 61% of patients were HBeAg-negative (222 out of 363).
- Among HBeAg-negative patients, 46% had elevated ALT and/or cirrhosis.
- 18% of all HBsAg-positive patients had HBeAg-negative, HBV DNA-positive liver disease.
Conclusions:
- HBeAg-negative chronic hepatitis B is a prevalent condition.
- It is not a benign entity, with a significant proportion developing chronic liver disease.
- Further attention is needed for managing HBeAg-negative chronic HBV infection.