Lower HBV DNA level is associated with more severe liver fibrosis in HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B with normal alanine transaminase.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The association of hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels and liver fibrosis in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with immune-tolerant phase remains unclear. We explored the association between liver fibrosis and HBV DNA levels in HBeAg-positive CHB patients with normal alanine transaminase (ALT) with relatively high HBV DNA.

Methods

Six hundred and twenty-two HBeAg-positive CHB patients with normal ALT were included. Patients were divided into three categories: low (6 log₁₀ IU/mL ≤ HBV DNA < 7 log₁₀ IU/mL), moderate (7 log₁₀ IU/mL ≤ HBV DNA < 8 log₁₀ IU/mL), and high (HBV DNA ≥ 8 log₁₀ IU/mL). APRI, FIB-4, transient elastography, or liver biopsy were used to assess liver fibrosis.

Results

The median age o

SUBMITTER: Wang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11151594 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature