Disorders of Liver : Prevalence of Hepatitis D In Patients With Chronic Active Hepatitis B, And Comparison of Liver Enzymes And Histopathology In The Positive And Negative Group

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

Background/Aims: The term viral hepatitis is used to describe viral infections that primarily involve the liver. Six main viruses have been recognized, as agents responsible for viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, E and G viruses. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and histopathological characteristics of hepatitis D in patients with chronic active hepatitis B. Methods: In this study, anti-HDV antibody was checked by ELISA (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay) method in 93 patients with chronic active hepatitis B (HBsAg +ve with＞1.5 times normal aminotransferases and active liver pathology). Patients were selected from referrals to Mothahari Clinic in Shiraz in two consecutive years (1381-1382). Results: Among 93 Patients, 9 (9.7%) were seropositive for anti HDV antibody. Overall, 76.3% of our patients were males, and the positive group were all males. Comparison of liver enzymes (AST and ALT) and liver histology (grade and stage of liver disease) in the positive and negative group revealed a significantly higher AST (P value: 0.016) in the positive group. Mean ALT levels were also higher in positive group, but the difference was not statistically significant (P value: 0.162). Grade and stage of liver disease was also significantly more advanced in the positive group. (P value of: 0.004 and 0.009 respectively). Among the positive group, the most common mode of transmission was intravenous drug use (44.4%). Overall the most common mode of transmission (40.9%) was unknown (most patients were detected during screening for blood donation). There is a clear male predominance in the HDV positive group, that could be due to the higher rate of high risk behavior, including IV drug abuse. Conclusions: On the basis of findings, we suggest that the anti-HDV status in any patient with positive HBsAg should be checked. Confirmation of the results of anti-HDV Ab tests with more accurate tests showing recent HDV infection seems to be essential.