Abstract |
We evaluated the prevalence and the clinical features of liver cirrhosis associated with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in a prospective study of 292 consecutive children who were chronic HBsAg carriers with increased aminotransferase activity. Liver histologic changes at presentation were consistent with cirrhosis in 10 (3.4%) patients (100% boys, mean age 4.0 +/- 3.3 years). In none of the remaining children, including 166 with histologic evidence of chronic active hepatitis, did the condition progress to cirrhosis during an observation period of 1 to 10 years. This lack of progression suggests that cirrhosis is an early complication of chronic HBV disease in some patients. A higher prevalence of delta infection and increased incidence of blood transfusions were observed in patients with cirrhosis, supporting the hypothesis that superinfection with delta or non-A, non-B agents may play a synergistic role. Eight of 10 patients had histologic features of disease activity at presentation, although only two had symptoms. During follow-up, persistence of disease activity was observed only in the three delta antigen-positive patients. None of the patients with inactive cirrhosis have developed signs of liver failure or portal hypertension.
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Authors | F Bortolotti, R Calzia, P Cadrobbi, R Giacchini, B Ciravegna, M Armigliato, R Piscopo, G Realdi |
Journal | The Journal of pediatrics
(J Pediatr)
Vol. 108
Issue 2
Pg. 224-7
(Feb 1986)
ISSN: 0022-3476 [Print] United States |
PMID | 3944707
(Publication Type: Journal Article)
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Chemical References |
- Hepatitis B Antibodies
- Hepatitis B Antigens
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
- Hepatitis B e Antigens
- Hepatitis delta Antigens
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Topics |
- Child
- Child, Preschool
- Defective Viruses
(immunology)
- Female
- Follow-Up Studies
- Hepatitis B
(complications, immunology)
- Hepatitis B Antibodies
(analysis)
- Hepatitis B Antigens
(analysis)
- Hepatitis B Surface Antigens
(analysis)
- Hepatitis B e Antigens
(analysis)
- Hepatitis D
(complications)
- Hepatitis delta Antigens
- Hepatitis, Chronic
(immunology)
- Humans
- Infant
- Liver Cirrhosis
(etiology, immunology)
- Male
- Prospective Studies
- Time Factors
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