[A case of type B chronic hepatitis showing rapid progression to liver cirrhosis with prolonged positive IgM anti-HBc]

Hokkaido Igaku Zasshi. 1991 Jul;66(4):575-81.
[Article in Japanese]

Abstract

We reported a case of type B chronic hepatitis with high titer of IgM anti-HBc continuously, which progressed to liver cirrhosis rapidly. The patient was a 37-years-old man, and was diagnosed as chronic type B hepatitis with severe activity by laparoscopy and liver biopsy. The titer of IgM anti-HBc persisted high level for more than 2 years. Then the second liver biopsy showed the progression to liver cirrhosis within only about 2 years. It is a very rare case to prolong positive IgM anti-HBc for such a long time. Anti-HBc production of PBMC was enhanced remarkably in this case. We considered that HBc antigens released into serum from hepatocytes with severe exacerbations had enhanced the anti-HBc producing activity of B lymphocytes. And the rapid progression in this case would be due to the episodes of severe exacerbations.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Chronic Disease
  • Hepatitis B / immunology
  • Hepatitis B / pathology*
  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin M / analysis*
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Cirrhosis / pathology*
  • Male
  • Necrosis

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Core Antigens
  • Immunoglobulin M