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Abstract Details
HBsAg quantification for identification of liver disease in chronic hepatitis B virus carriers
Larsson SB, Eilard A, Malmström S, Hannoun C, Dhillon AP, Norkrans G, Lindh M. Liver Int. 2013 Oct 1. doi: 10.1111/liv.12345. [Epub ahead of print]
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Quantification of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) has been proposed as a useful diagnostic marker for clinical staging (identification of inactive carrier state) and prognosis of chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection.
AIM:
To investigate the correlation between HBsAg levels in serum and histological liver damage in patients with chronic infection.
METHODS:
HBsAg levels in serum (by Abbott Architect) were related to HBV DNA, ALT and histological score (n=160) and covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) (n=84) RESULTS: HBsAg levels correlated with cccDNA, serum HBV DNA, ALT and high inflammation scores (p<0.001). Among HBeAg negative patients, an HBsAg level below 3.0 log10 IU/mL identified minimal liver damage (normal ALT and mild inflammation) with a predictive value of 92% (alone) or 96% (in combination with HBV DNA <4.0 log10 copies/mL), whereas an HBsAg level above 3.5 log10 IU/mL identified severe inflammation with a predictive value of 16% (alone) or 33% (in combination with HBV DNA >5.0 log10 copies/mL).
CONCLUSIONS:
HBsAg levels reflect clinical stage and liver disease, and a combined quantification of HBsAg and HBV DNA may improve clinical staging.