Related Experiment Videos
Correlation between e/anti e system and evolution of B virus chronic hepatitis in pediatric patients
Insights
This study followed 118 children with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Seroconversion to anti-HBe antibodies often indicated stable improvement, though some anti-HBe positive patients developed cirrhosis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
Background:
- Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a significant global health concern, particularly in children.
- The e/anti-e system (HBeAg and anti-HBe antibodies) plays a crucial role in HBV infection dynamics and prognosis.
- Understanding the long-term outcomes and seroconversion patterns in pediatric chronic hepatitis B is essential for effective management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a longitudinal study on children with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
- To analyze the correlation between the e/anti-e system and the clinical severity of chronic hepatitis.
- To evaluate the impact of seroconversion on clinical progress and long-term outcomes in pediatric HBV patients.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal follow-up of 118 children diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
- Assessment of HBeAg and anti-HBe antibody status at baseline and during the study period.
- Statistical analysis to compare clinical forms (CPH and CAH) and correlate with e/anti-e system behavior and outcomes.
Main Results:
- Initial observation showed varying e/anti-e profiles: 92 HBeAg positive, 22 anti-HBe positive, and 4 e/anti-e negative.
- No significant correlation was found between clinical severity (CPH/CAH) and the e/anti-e system behavior.
- Seroconversion to anti-HBe occurred in 37/92 subjects over an average of 59.83 months, prolonged by immunosuppressive therapy.
- Anti-HBe positive status, including seroconverted patients, showed statistically significant positive outcomes.
- Five patients who developed cirrhosis were exclusively anti-HBe antibody positive.
Conclusions:
- Seroconversion to anti-HBe in children with chronic hepatitis B frequently correlates with stable clinical improvement.
- The e/anti-e system status alone does not predict the severity of chronic hepatitis B in children.
- Anti-HBe positivity, particularly after seroconversion, is associated with favorable outcomes, but vigilance for cirrhosis development in this group is warranted.
Abstract:
The authors have performed a longitudinal study of 118 children affected with B virus chronic hepatitis. Our first observation revealed 92 children with HBeAg positive (26 CPH, 66 CAH), 22 children with anti HBe positive (6CPH, 15 CAH, 1 cirrhosis), 4 children (CAH) with e/anti-e negative. A correlation between the severity of clinical forms and the behaviour of the e/anti-e system was not observed. Seroconversion was observed during the follow up period in 37 of 92 subjects in an average time of 59.83 +/- 32 months, time rather prolonged in patients under immunosuppressive therapy. To compare the clinical progress and the evolution of CPH and CAH respectively, always with regard to the e/anti-e system, statistically significant differences did not result. Only anti HBe positive recovered subjects, inclusive of seroconverted patients and those anti HBe from the first observation, showed significant results to the statistical analysis. Still, seroconversion corresponds frequently to a stable improvement of hepatitis. On the contrary evolution into cirrhosis was observed in 5 patients that had anti HBe antibodies.