Different course of acute hepatitis B in elderly adults

A retrospective study on 50 young and 35 aged patients with acute hepatitis B was performed. Clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated. The most significant results obtained in the aged group when compared with the young were longer hospitalization, less elevated serum glutamic-pyruvic transaminase, serum bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase significantly higher, lower IgM and higher IgA levels. The results indicate that acute hepatitis B in elderly adults is characterized by a milder liver cell necrosis and a hypercholestatic pattern. The possible causes for these features are discussed.