Natural history of hepatitis b e antigen to antibody seroconversion in patients with normal serum aminotransferase levels

摘要: Abstract Background Natural history studies of hepatitis B virus infection have shown relapse in 5% to 15% patients and progression cirrhosis 2% 6% annually. Follow-up beginning at the early phase might provide data with less referral bias than previous studies. Methods Test liver biochemistry, assessment virological markers, ultrasound examinations were performed regular intervals during course e antigen (HBeAg) antibody (anti-HBe) seroconversion 240 HBeAg carriers normal alanine aminotransferase levels baseline. Factors predictive identified by multivariate analysis. Results We enrolled 130 men 110 women. The mean (± SD) age entry was 27.6 ± 6.2 years. During HBeAg-positive phase, 29% had ≥200 U/L, 3% bilirubin ≥2.0 mg/dL, two or more episodes U/L. anti-HBe 31.3 7.0 years, remission all patients. However, recurred 36 (15%), an annual rate 2.2%. Thirteen (5%) progressed cirrhosis. incidence 0.5%, cumulative probability after 17 years 12.6%. Age independent risk factors for Conclusion clinical severity chronic milder this cohort Delayed associated increased