- 现金
- 62111 元
- 精华
- 26
- 帖子
- 30441
- 注册时间
- 2009-10-5
- 最后登录
- 2022-12-28
|
Figure 1 depicts the natural history of chronic HBV infection. The immune-tolerance phase is seen in HBeAg-positive disease and is characterised by high levels of HBV replication with normal ALT levels and limited liver necroinflammation. Because there is minimal immune response to the virus it is unusual for spontaneous HBeAg loss to occur. This phase is commonly seen in children. It is followed by an immune-clearance or immune-reactive phase in which the immune system recognises and starts to clear the virus. ALT levels are typically elevated or fluctuating, and there is a higher risk of liver fibrosis. This tends to be the initial phase in people infected with HBV as adults. It lasts from weeks to years and ends with HBeAg seroconversion.
With the loss of HBeAg the person may enter an immune-control phase with very low or undetectable HBV DNA levels, normal ALT and minimal fibrosis progression. However, some people may experience rising HBV DNA levels despite HBeAg negativity. This is caused by virions that do not express HBeAg because of genetic mutations. This immune-escape phase can lead to active necroinflammation and progression of fibrosis.
Figure 1. Natural history of chronic HBV infection Substantial progress has been made in the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in the past decade but the appropriate time for starting treatment remains a topic of debate. Although currently available treatment is effective in suppressing HBV replication, it fails to eradicate the virus necessitating long treatment duration and perhaps lifelong treatment.
|
|