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Sequeale of acute viral hepatitis type B
Acta Hepato-Gastroenterologica
|August 1, 1977
Summary
Most patients recovering from acute viral hepatitis type B (AVH-B) clear HBsAg. Persistent HBs antigenemia and chronic liver lesions like chronic active hepatitis (CAH) were observed in a minority of patients.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Acute viral hepatitis type B (AVH-B) is a significant global health concern.
- Long-term sequelae of AVH-B, including chronic liver disease, require ongoing investigation.
- Understanding the natural history of HBsAg clearance is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence of chronic liver lesions in patients treated for AVH-B.
- To determine the rate of persistent HBs antigenemia after AVH-B.
- To assess the relationship between initial infection severity and chronic outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Systematic follow-up examinations of 161 patients diagnosed with AVH-B between 1970-1975.
- Assessment of HBs antigen (HBsAg) status and liver function tests (BLT) 1-5 years post-acute infection.
- Biopsies were performed for patients with persistent abnormalities to diagnose chronic liver conditions.
Main Results:
- 82.6% of patients cleared HBsAg and normalized liver function.
- 12.4% had persistent HBs antigenemia, with 9.2% also showing abnormal liver function.
- Chronic liver lesions, including chronic persistent hepatitis (CPH) and chronic active hepatitis (CAH), were diagnosed in a subset of patients, particularly those with persistent antigenemia and abnormal liver function.
Conclusions:
- The majority of AVH-B patients achieve viral clearance and liver recovery.
- Persistent HBs antigenemia and chronic liver disease can occur in a minority of cases.
- Prednisolone therapy did not appear to predispose patients to persistent HBs antigenemia.