The relationship between serum HBeAg,HBV DNA and liver pathological change in chronic hepatitis B virus carriers with normal liver function

ObjectiveTo explore the relationship between serum HBeAg,the qualification of HBV DNA and the histopathologic change of livers in chronic hepatitis B virus carriers with normal liver function. MethodsLiver biopsy,serum and serological examination were performed in 90 randomly selected chronic hepatitis B virus carriers with normal liver function. Groups were divided based on serum HBeAg and HBV DNA levels. Comparisons of liver inflammation and fibrosis stages were conducted between groups. Results All of the 90 subjects had liver injury. Eight cirrhosis (8.9%),62 slight CHB (68.9%),8 moderate CHB (8.9%) and 12 severe CHB (13.3%) were detected. Among 82 patients pathologically diagnosed as CHB,30 (36.6%) had inflammation stage G≥2,28 (34.15%) had fibrosis stage S≥2. The inflammation and fibrosis stages in HBeAg negative group were more severe than HBeAg positive group (P0.05). No significant differences were observed in the inflammation and fibrosis stages between HBV DNA positive/negative groups.ConclusionThe chronic HBV carriers with normal liver function may have pathologically liver injuries. Serum HBeAg and HBV DNA are unable to reflect the real condition of liver injury. Liver pathological results should be considered before a treating plan was chosen.