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HBsAg quantification for identification of liver disease in chronic hepatitis B virus carriers
Author(s) -
Larsson Simon B.,
Eilard Anders,
Malmström Sebastian,
Hannoun Charles,
Dhillon Amar P.,
Norkrans Gunnar,
Lindh Magnus
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
liver international
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.873
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1478-3231
pISSN - 1478-3223
DOI - 10.1111/liv.12345
Subject(s) - cccdna , hbsag , medicine , hbeag , hepatitis b virus , liver disease , gastroenterology , immunology , hepatitis b , inflammation , hepatitis , virus , virology
Background & Aims Quantification of hepatitis B surface antigen ( HB sAg) 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. The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between HB sAg levels in serum and histological liver damage in patients with chronic infection. Methods HB sAg levels in serum (by Abbott Architect) were related to HBV DNA , ALT and histological score ( n = 160) and covalently closed circular DNA (ccc DNA ) ( 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 log 10 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 log 10 copies/ml), whereas an HBsAg level above 3.5 log 10 IU/ml identified severe inflammation with a predictive value of 16% (alone) or 33% (in combination with HBV DNA >5.0 log 10 copies/ml). Conclusions HB sAg levels reflect clinical stage and liver disease, and a combined quantification of HB sAg and HBV DNA may improve clinical staging.