Conditions and Diseases Organizations

Gastroenerology Search

Lower baseline ALT cut-off values and HBV DNA levels better differentiate HBeAg(-) chronic hepatitis B patients from inactive chronic carriers.
Assy N, Beniashvili Z, Djibre A, Nasser G, Grosovski M, Nseir WRelated Articles Lower baseline ALT cut-off values and HBV DNA levels better differentiate HBeAg(-) chronic hepatitis B patients from inactive chronic carriers. World J Gastroenterol. 2009 Jun 28;15(24):3025-31 Authors: Assy N, Beniashvili Z, Djibre A, Nasser G, Grosovski M, Nseir W AIM: To determine whether new cut-off values for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and baseline hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA levels better differentiate HBeAg(-) chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients from inactive chronic carriers. METHODS: Ninety-one patients [32 HBeAg(+) CHB, 19 inactive carriers and 40 HBeAg(-) CHB] were followed up for 2 years and were tested for HBV DNA levels by a PCR-based assay. ALT was tested twice during the last 6 mo using new cut-off values: ULN (upper limit of normal) 30 IU/L for males, 19 IU/L for females. Diagnostic accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values were calculated by discriminant analysis. RESULTS: When using the revised ALT cut-off values, the lowest optimal HBV DNA level that differentiated HBeAg(-) CHB patients from inactive carriers was 50 000 copies/mL. The diagnostic accuracy of HBV DNA to determine inactive carriers with a cut-off of 50 000 copies/mL was similar to the previously recommended cut-off of 100 000 copies/mL (91%). HBV DNA levels were lower than the cut-off value in 95% of inactive carriers and in 28% of HBeAg(-) CHB patients. With ALT < 30 IU/L in men and < 19 IU/L in women and HBV DNA levels < 100 000 copies/mL, the risk of CHB is 5%. On the other hand, if ALT values were > 30 IU in men and > 19 IU in women and baseline HBV DNA levels were > 100 000 copies/mL, the risk is 86%. CONCLUSION: New cut-off values for ALT together with HBV DNA levels proposed by AASLD (American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases) and NIH (National Institute of Health) consensus seem appropriate to characterize inactive carriers. PMID: 19554656 [PubMed - in process]

 

Subscribe to Hepatitis RSS feed

ANMC Hepatitis Research Program - The Alaska Native Medical Center Viral Hepatitis Program. Includes transfusion look back project, mission statement, professional and patient information, articles, contact details and further resources.
Meta Description: [ Liver Disease and Hepatitis Program ]

Health Canada Hepatitis C Initiative - Information about the disease as well as the organization. Includes the location, links, and newsletter.
Meta Description: [ This web site can be used for information purposes only on; Aids, HIV, Hepatitis A, B, C and to learn more about the Sharp Advice Needle Exchange Program. ]

Hep-C Alert - Details about this nonprofit organization which is dedicated to raising awareness of, and assisting people affected by Hepatitis C. Includes news and QAs about the disease and contact information.
Meta Description: [ add your site description here ]

Hepatitis C Association, - Includes details about the organization, events, news, brochures, related links and contact information.
Meta Description: [ The focus of the Hepatitis C Association is to educate the public, both medical professionals and private citizens, about hepatitis C virus ]

Hepatitis C Council of British Columbia - Offers information about goals and objectives for community education, service, treatment, and support. Includes information about HCV, in general and how it affects the province.

Hepatitis C Council of NSW - Provides information, support and services in the Australian state of New South Wales. Includes state-wide telephone support service, internet forum and email information option.
Meta Description: [ An independent community-based organization providing information, support and advocacy to people affected by Hepatitis C in the state of NSW, Australia. ]

404 Hepatitis C United Resource Exchange - Information about the organization, as well as research, education and support.

Hepatitis Foundation International - Educate the public and healthcare providers about viral hepatitis and its prevention, diagnostisis, and treatment.

HepCBC - Grassroots organization dedicated to educating those infected and affected by HCV. Site includes hepc.bull and Peppermint Patti's FAQs.

Status C Unknown - Educational and advocacy organization, dedicated to providing support to communities in New York. Includes risk factors, myths and facts, HIV/HCV coinfection, and testing sites in New York City.

500 The Hepatitis Education Project - Non-profit organization in Seattle, Washington offering information and support for hepatitis patients and their families. Includes newsletter, support group locations, and links to additional resources. [Newsletter requires free membership.]

The Hepatitis Foundation of NZ - Offers information about how the liver works, overview of viruses A through E, details about B and C, blood tests, news and links to additional resources.