Importance of markers of hepatitis B virus in alcoholic liver disease. Issue 6381 (11th June 1983)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Saunders, J B; Wodak, A D; Morgan-Capner, P; White, Y S; Portmann, B; Davis, M; Williams, R
• Is Part Of: BMJ. Volume 286:Issue 6381(1983)
• Page Start: 1851
• Page End: 1854
• Publication Date: 1983-06-11
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine; Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/bmj.286.6381.1851
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1447

Abstract

Abstract : To determine the importance of the presence of serological markers of hepatitis B virus infection in patients with alcohol related liver disease we compared cumulative alcohol intake and clinical and histological features in patients with markers of hepatitis B virus infection and in those without. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was detected in five (2%) out of 285 patients studied and antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) in 41 (14%); one patient had antibody to hepatitis B core antigen alone. The combined prevalence of markers of hepatitis B virus infection was similar in patients with alcoholic cirrhosis (18%) and precirrhotic liver disease (13%). Two patients positive for HBsAg had histological features of both alcoholic liver disease and chronic active hepatitis, with stainable HBsAg. Patients with anti-HBs were, however, histologically indistinguishable from patients without markers, and the mean cumulative alcohol intake of patients with anti-HBs was similar to or even higher than that of patients with liver disease of comparable severity who had no evidence of previous infection. The presence of markers of hepatitis B virus infection was related to former residence in countries with a high prevalence of the infection and to previous parenteral treatment and blood transfusions. Infection with hepatitis B virus does not enhance the development of chronic liver disease in heavy drinkers, except in the small number who remain positive for HBsAg.