Alanine aminotransferase course, serum hepatitis B virus DNA, and liver stiffness measurement for therapeutic decisions in hepatitis B e antigen‐negative chronic hepatitis B. Issue 13 (5th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Charatcharoenwitthaya, Phunchai; Phisalprapa, Pochamana; Pausawasdi, Nonthalee; Rungkaew, Pimpattana; Kajornvuthidej, Sorrayut; Bandidniyamanon, Wimolrak; Chotiyaputta, Watcharasak; Chainuvati, Siwaporn; Tanwandee, Tawesak
• Is Part Of: Hepatology research. Volume 46:Issue 13(2016)
• Page Start: 1347
• Page End: 1357
• Publication Date: 2016-04-05
• Subjects: alanine aminotransferase -- hepatitis B -- viral hepatitis -- elastography -- pathology; Liver -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Liver Diseases -- Periodicals; Foie -- Maladies -- Périodiques; 616.362
• DOI: 10.1111/hepr.12693
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1386-6346

Abstract

Abstract : Aim: To evaluate the utility of the combination of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) course, hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level, and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) for determining significant liver disease in hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)‐negative patients. Methods : Three hundred and ninety nine consecutive HBeAg‐negative patients with HBV DNA >2000 IU/mL and documented serial measurements of ALT were enrolled to undergo LSM followed by liver biopsy. Results : Using ALT <40 IU/L as a normal value, 142 patients had persistently normal ALT (PNALT), whereas 257 had persistently or intermittently elevated ALT (PIEALT) in the prior year. Among patients with HBV DNA of 2000–19 999, 20 000–199 999, and ≥200 000 IU/mL, significant pathological lesions defined as the presence of moderate to severe necroinflammation and/or significant fibrosis by METAVIR scoring was present in 40%, 45%, and 71% of the PIEALT group, and 15%, 31%, and 36% of the PNALT group, respectively. In PNALT patients with HBV DNA <20 000 IU/mL, liver biopsy could be avoided in 88% when LSM <7 kPa is used as an indicator of non‐significant liver histology but 12% of those who indeed had significant pathological lesions would be missed. In PIEALT patients with HBV DNA ≥20 000 IU/mL, the need for liver biopsy could be reduced by 53% with a false positive rate of 14% when LSM ≥7 kPa is used as a predictor of significant pathological lesions. Conclusion : The combination of serial ALT, viral load, and LSM appears to be a promising non‐invasive tool. A management algorithm for HBeAg‐negative patients comprising these non‐invasive measures is proposed with liver biopsy being pursued in selected cases.