Correlation between viral load, histopathologic necroinflammatory grade and fibrotic stage in viral hepatitis

Introduction: Liver needle biopsy and histopathology of liver parenchyma are one of the most accurate methods for assessing the severity of inflammation and fibrosis in these patients, which is based on Knodell’s standard system. Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between viral load of hepatitis B and C in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with pathologic necroinflammatory grade and fibrotic stage of hepatitis in liver biopsy. Patients and Methods: Pathologic evaluation performed to determine the grade and stage of viral hepatitis by using 5μ sections stained with hematoxylin-eosin, Masson trichrome and reticulin in unique center. Data were analyzed using SPSS 16 software. Results: There was a significant relationship between viral load and grade of hepatitis B and C. No association was found between viral load of hepatitis B and C and fibrotic stage of hepatitis. Additionally, relationship between spotty necrosis and portal inflammation with viral load of hepatitis B and relationship between periportal interface hepatitis and viral load of hepatitis C were statistically significant. Conclusion: Despite the association between viral load in PCR and necroinflammatory grade in the histopathology of liver needle biopsy, the relationship between viral load and fibrotic stage is rejected, which can be affected by the duration of the disease.