[Relation of serological markers of hepatitis B virus and alanine transaminase to hepatic tissue pathology in patients with chronic hepatitis B].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the association of serological markers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and alanine transaminase (ALT) with hepatic tissue pathology in patients with chronic hepatitis B.


METHODS
The serological marker of HBV, liver function and liver biopsy of 133 patients with chronic hepatitis B were measured and evaluated. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to HBeAg and HBV DNA positivity. Hepatic necrosis/inflammation grade and hepatic fibrosis were compared between the groups.


RESULTS
Hepatic histological examination of all these patients showed inflammation, necrosis and different degrees of fibrosis. In patients with normal serum ALT, liver biopsy showed different degrees of inflammation, hepatic fibrosis, and even hepatocirrhosis. In patients with abnormal serum ALT negative for HBeAg, hepatic tissue inflammation and fibrosis were more serious. Hepatic tissue pathology was not paralleled with the level of HBV replication.


CONCLUSIONS
Evaluation of the liver disease can not depend solely on serum ALT and viral loading in these patients. Hepatic tissue pathology in patients with chronic hepatitis B should be served as the most reliable evidence for evaluating hepatitis conditions and making the decision on antiviral therapy.
Yang
Xiao-yun
XY
Department of Digestive Diseases, Central People's Hospital of Huizhou, Huizhou 516001, China. yangxiaoyun152@hotmail.com
Wen
Fan-yuan
FY
Wu
Jing-li
JL
Zhou
Hua-jian
HJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000410:Alanine Transaminase / Q000097:blood*; D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D004279:DNA, Viral / Q000097:blood; D005260:Female; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens / Q000097:blood*; D006515:Hepatitis B virus / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology; D019694:Hepatitis B, Chronic / Q000097:blood / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology* / Q000821:virology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019562:Viral Load
D004279:DNA, Viral; D006513:Hepatitis B e Antigens; D000410:Alanine Transaminase