Clinical and virological features of acute HBV-related hepatitis in southern Vietnam

Ann Hepatol. 2006 Apr-Jun;5(2):92-6.

Abstract

Background: Despite the availability of effective vaccines, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still frequent worldwide, and accounts for significant morbidity and mortality. However, data of acute HBeAg negative hepatitis still remain limited.

Aims and methods: To understand clinical pictures of acute HBV hepatitis and its natural evolution, a prospective study was conducted in adult patients.

Results: Ninety patients were enrolled between March 2004 and April 2005 at Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh city. The prevalence of HBeAg negative was 53%. No significant difference was found in clinical characteristics and laboratory findings between HBeAg positive and negative patients. HBV-DNA was detected in 75% and 88% HBe negative and positive patients, respectively, where the frequency of ALT below 400 U/L was significantly higher in HBeAg negative cases (p= 0.01). Six month follow-up was available in 47 patients. HBsAg positivity was found in 16% of HBeAg negative subjects but only in 4.5% of HBeAg positive cases. Thirty two patients had neither HBsAg nor anti-HBs.

Conclusions: The clinical laboratory feature and the outcome at 6 months of HBV acute hepatitis in Vietnam is similar in HBeAg positive and negative patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • DNA, Viral / analysis
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies / blood
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / blood
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens / blood
  • Hepatitis B virus / genetics
  • Hepatitis B virus / immunology
  • Hepatitis B virus / isolation & purification*
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / diagnosis
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / immunology
  • Hepatitis B, Chronic / mortality*
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Prevalence
  • Prospective Studies
  • Vietnam / epidemiology

Substances

  • DNA, Viral
  • Hepatitis B Antibodies
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
  • Hepatitis B e Antigens