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Hepatitis B flare: the good, the bad and the ugly
1Liver Research Unit, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University College of Medicine, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
Introduction:
Hepatitis B flare, defined as an event of abrupt ALT elevation to >5x ULN, is a frequent episode during the natural course or during/after antiviral therapy of chronic HBV infection, in both HBeAg-positive and HBeAg-negative patients with chronic hepatitis B or liver cirrhosis.
Areas Covered:
The definition, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and management of hepatitis B flares in the published literature were reviewed. Hepatitis B flares have been considered as a result of the robust immune response of the patient to an upsurging HBV/HBV-antigen(s). 'Host-dominating flares,' reflect effective immune response, may resolve with ALT normalization and decline of HBV/ antigen(s). Contradictorily, 'virus-dominating flares,' reflect ineffective immune response, are usually followed by persistent/intermittent hepatitis and may even develop hepatic decompensation/failure.
Expert Opinion:
Not all hepatitis B flares require antiviral therapy, and close observation with combined HBsAg/ALT kinetics along the ascending ALT during hepatitis flare may differentiate hepatitis flares for an appropriate treatment/retreatment decision. More studies are needed to verify this proposal. Further immunologic studies using multiple samples during hepatitis B flare are important to clarify the precise underlying mechanisms as the basis for further improvement in the management of hepatitis flare.
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