Hepatitis B surface antigen circulating immune complexes (HBsAg-CICs) in patients with hepatitis B and asymptomatic HBsAg carriers.
The PEG-trypsinization assay detected HBsAg-CICs in 31 out of 44 (70%) patients with acute hepatitis B, in five out of 107 (5%) asymptomatic HBsAg carriers and, in addition, in both patients with HBsAg-positive chronic liver disease. A close correlation between the levels of HBsAg-CICs and disease activity was observed. The clinical course, parameters of liver function tests and outcome of the disease in patients without HBsAg-CICs (group A) and in patients with transient HBsAg-CICs (group B) were essentially similar. In contrast, patients with persistent HBsAg-CICs (group C) had a poor prognosis, particularly those who received corticosteroids. The method appeared to be a valuable tool in monitoring disease activity and prognosis, and in evaluating the efficacy of corticosteroid treatment. The role of HBsAg-CICs in the pathogenesis of liver damage and clearance of circulating HBsAg is discussed.
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex / Q000032:analysis*; D002648:Child; D002908:Chronic Disease; D005260:Female; D006505:Hepatitis / Q000276:immunology; D006509:Hepatitis B / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000276:immunology*; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D008107:Liver Diseases / Q000276:immunology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000936:Antigen-Antibody Complex; D006514:Hepatitis B Surface Antigens