Clinical and Histologic Evaluation on HBeAg Positive and Negative Chronic Hepatitis B in Young Adults

Jung, Phil Jin; Park, Chang Hwan; Noh, Du Young; Joo, Young Eun; Choi, Sung Kyu; Rew, Jong Sun; Kim, Sei Jong

Abstract

It has recently been reported was active viral replication and severe liver damage may persist in HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B. This study was aimed to compare clinical, biochemical, and histologic findings between HBeAg positive and HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B in young adults and to determine the correlation between biochemical markers and histologic findings in chronic hepatitis B. One hundred and twelve young adults with chronic hepatitis B were divided into two groups according to serologic findings of HBeAg, ie. HBeAg positive and HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B. Clinical, biochemical, serologic, and histologic findings were compared between both groups, and the correlations were determined between biochemical and histopathologic findings including histologic inflammatory activity and fibrosis. No significant difference was found in the histopathologic grade, stage, and biochemical findings including serum AST and ALT level between two groups. There was no significant difference in histologic findings between normal ALT level and abnormal ALT level chronic hepatitis B. The clinical and histologic manifestations in HBeAg negative chronic hepatitis B are not different from those of HBeAg positive chronic hepatitis B. Serum transaminase levels cannot predict the histologic inflammatory activity and fibrosis. Therefore, the close follow-up should be obligatory also in patients with HBeAg seroconverted chronic hepatitis B.