Hepatitis B crónica / Chronic B hepatitis

Chronic hepatitis B is a major public health problem, causing 30% of cirrhosis worldwide and up to 50% of hepatocellular carcinoma. In high prevalence regions, virus transmission is mainly vertical, which is associated with a risk of chronic disease in 90% of cases. The development of chronic hepatitis in adults is less than 5%, but it could reach up to 30% in patients with immunosuppression. In the evaluation of subjects with HBV infection is recommended to investigate risk factors for progression to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, test for sexually transmitted infections and control liver comorbidities that will affect patient's prognosis, such as chronic alcohol consumption, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and coinfection with hepatitis C and HIV. Management of patients with chronic hepatitis B includes testing and prevention for contacts, control of comorbidities, and specific treatment with antivirals when indicated. Treatment with nucleotide/nucleoside analogues is considered of choice as they are safe, achieves adequate control of viral replication and reduces the risk of liver complications. The goal of the WHO is to achieve a significant decrease in the prevalence of hepatitis B by 2030 through preventive measures in regions with a high prevalence of the disease.

La infección por el virus de la hepatitis B (VHB) es un importante problema de salud pública, estimándose que causa 30% de los casos de cirrosis a nivel mundial y hasta 50% de los hepatocarcinomas. En las regiones de alta prevalencia, la transmisión del virus es principalmente vertical, la que se asocia a un riesgo de cronificación de hasta 90%. Por el contrario, el desarrollo de hepatitis crónica en adultos es menor de 5% y en inmunosupresión puede alcanzar hasta 30%. En la evaluación de sujetos con infección por VHB es necesaria pesquisar factores de riesgo de progresión a cirrosis y hepatocarcinoma, detectar otras infecciones de transmisión sexual y controlar comorbilidades hepáticas que afectarán el pronóstico del paciente, como el consumo crónico de alcohol, el hígado graso no alcohólico o la coinfección con hepatitis C y VIH. El manejo de los pacientes con hepatitis B crónica requiere preocuparse del testeo y medidas de prevención para los contactos, control de comorbilidades y tratamiento específico con antivirales cuando existe indicación. El tratamiento con análogos de nucleótidos/nucleósidos se considera de elección al ser seguro, lograr un adecuado control de la replicación viral y disminuir riesgo de complicaciones hepáticas. El objetivo de la OMS es lograr una disminución significativa de la prevalencia de la hepatitis B el año 2030 a través de medidas preventivas en regiones de alta prevalencia de la enfermedad.

Búsqueda de infección por Hepatitis B en familiares de portadores crónicos de la provincia de Huanta, Ayacucho -Perú / Search of Hepatitis-B infection in relatives of chronic carriers in the province of Huanta, Ayacucho, Peru

RESUMEN Un plan de eliminación del virus de hepatitis B (HBV) es factible porque la inmunización ha tenido buen impacto, tal como ha sucedido en la provincia de Huanta en Perú. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue determinar la frecuencia de la infección por HBV en familiares de portadores del antígeno de superficie del virus de la hepatitis B (HBsAg). Este estudio transversal incluyó a 39 familiares de portadores crónicos, identificados en el Hospital de Apoyo de Huanta. Se recolectaron datos sociodemográficos y muestras de sangre. La frecuencia total de infección por HBV fue de 10,3 % y la mayoría correspondía a infección crónica (7,7 %). Una tercera parte tenía antecedentes de infección por HBV. Los miembros de la familia con infección por HBV fueron mayormente adultos alcohólicos y no vacunados. En conclusión, encontramos una alta frecuencia de HBV en familiares de portadores de HBsAg, esta estrategia ayudaría a identificar portadores crónicos que pueden ser tratados y contribuir a un plan de eliminación de HBV.

ABSTRACTS A plan of elimination of the virus of B hepatitis (HBV) is feasible because the immunization has had good impact, as it has been documented in the province of Huanta in Peru. The objective of our study was to determine the frequency of the infection by HBV in relatives of carriers of the surface antigen of the virus of hepatitis B (HBsAg). This cross-sectional study included 39 relatives of chronic carriers, identified at Hospital de Apoyo de Huanta. Sociodemographic data and blood samples were collected. The total frequency of infection by HBV was 10.3%, and the majority corresponded to chronic infection (7.7%). One third had a history of infection by HBV. The family members with HBV infection were mainly adult alcoholics who had not been vaccinated. In conclusion, we found a high frequency of HBV in relatives of carriers of HBsAg. This strategy would help identify chronic carriers that can be treated and to contribute to a plan for the elimination of HBV.

Risk factors for hepatitis B transmission in South Brazil

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a major public health problem in Brazil. Several risk factors are involved in HBV infection and their identification by a rational and essential approach is required to prevent the transmission of this infection in Brazil. OBJECTIVES To evaluate risk factors associated with HBV infection in South Brazil. METHODS A total of 260 patients with HBV and 260 controls from Caxias do Sul (state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) participated in this study. All participants were given a standard questionnaire to yield the sociodemographic information and to identify HBV risk factors. HBV infection was detected by HBsAg test in all participants. FINDINGS HBV infection in these cases was strongly associated with history of a family member HBV-infected, mainly mother [odds ratio (OR) = 4.86; 95% confidence intervals (CI): 1.69-13.91], father (OR = 5.28; 95% CI: 1.58-17.71), and/or siblings (OR = 22.16; 95% CI: 9.39-52.25); sharing personal objects (OR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.37-2.38); and having history of blood transfusion (OR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.10-2.84). CONCLUSIONS HBV infection was strongly associated with having a family member infected with hepatitis B, sharing personal objects, and having history of blood transfusion.

Diagnóstico accidental de hepatitis B crónica. a propósito de dos casos / Incidental diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B. report of two cases

Se reporta el diagnóstico accidental de dos casos de hepatitis B crónica por probable transmisión vertical. El primer caso es una gestante de 32 años que es derivada al hospital para monitoreo fetal por oligoamnios; durante su internación entra en trabajo de parto, y es asistida por una profesional sin usar guantes y se produce un importante contacto con sangre. Se realiza a la paciente un control serológico revelando ser portadora de HBsAg pero negativa para HBeAg; positiva para anti-HBe Ac y HBcIgG, negativa para anti HBs y HBc Ac IgM. El segundo caso es un paciente portador de Lupus Eritematoso Sistémico bajo tratamiento inmunosupresor, con antecedentes de tener una madre fallecida y dos hermanos portadores de VHB. La serología reveló: HBsAg (+) con carga viral de 113 copias, HBeAg (-), anti-HBe (+), HBcIgG (+), HBcIgM (-), hepatitis C (-). El paciente recibió tratamiento con tenofovir. Ambos pacientes fueron diagnosticados en forma accidental y considerados ser portadores de hepatitis B crónica inactiva por probable trasmisión vertical por los antecedentes familiares. Estos dos casos constituyen una llamada de atención sobre la transmisión vertical del virus y la importancia de realizar el despistaje en la embarazada en el primer control prenatal.

Two cases of incidentally diagnosed chronic hepatitis B of probable vertical transmissionare reported. The first case is a 32 year-old pregnant patient referred to our center for fetalmonitoring due to oligohydramnios; during her hospitalization the patient went into labor,the professional assisted her without gloves and there was an important contact with blood.Serological tests were performed to the patientrevealing to be a HBsAg carrier, but negativefor HBeAg, positive for anti-HBe Ac and HBcIgG, negative for anti HBs and HBc Ac IgM. Thesecond case is a patient with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus under immunosuppressivetreatment, with a history of having a deceased mother and two siblings with HBV infection.Serology revealedHBsAg (+) with viral load of 113 copies, HBeAg (-),hepatitis C (-), HBcIgG(+), HBcIgM (-), anti-HBe (+). The patient received treatment with ten of ovir. Bothpatients were incidentally diagnosed and considered to be chronic inactive hepatitis Bcarriers due to probable vertical transmission based on their family history. These two casesconstitute a wake-up call about the vertical transmission of the virus and the importance ofperforming the screening in all pregnant women in the first prenatal care.

Análise retrospectiva da infecção crônica pelo vírus da hepatite B em 247 pacientes: fases evolutivas, resposta ao tratamento e fatores de pior prognóstico / Retrospective analysis of hepatitis B virus chronic infection in 247 patients clinical stages, response to treatment and poor prognostic factors

Introdução. A hepatite B crônica é uma importante causa de cirrose hepática e a história natural da doença tem várias fases clínicas que devem ser bem entendidas para se realizar o tratamento adequado. Objetivos. Descrever o comportamento clínico, a resposta ao tratamento e os fatores de pior prognóstico em 247 pacientes com infecção crônica pelo vírus da hepatite B. Métodos. Estudo retrospectivo observacional, realizado através da análise dos prontuários dos pacientes entre janeiro de 2000 e janeiro de 2015. Resultados. A maioria dos pacientes eram do gênero masculino (67,2%) e 74,1% eram HBeAg negativo. Cerca de 41% tinham cirrose hepática e 8,5% eram coinfectados pelo vírus da hepatite C. A negativação da carga viral em um ano com lamivudina, entecavir e tenofovir foi respectivamente de 56%, 75% e 75%; efeitos adversos foram mais comuns com tenofovir. A resistência virológica em cinco anos a lamivudina, adefovir e entecavir foi respectivamente de 57,5%, 51,8% e 1,9%. A taxa geral de soroconversão do HBeAg foi de 31,2% e do HBsAg foi de 9,7%. Carcinoma hepatocelular foi diagnosticado em 9,7%, transplante hepático foi realizado em 9,7% e a mortalidade geral foi de 10,5%. Elevações de alanina aminotransferase (p=0,0194) e carga viral (p<0,0001) foram associadas à evolução para cirrose hepática. Carga viral elevada foi associada à evolução para carcinoma hepatocelular (p=0,0019). Os fatores de risco significativos relacionados ao óbito foram elevação de alanina aminotransferase (p=0,0118), cirrose hepática (p<0,0001) e carcinoma hepatocelular (p=0,0008). Positividade para o HBeAg não foi associada a piores desfechos. Conclusões. Cirrose hepática e carcinoma hepatocelular foram associados a um pior prognóstico e novos estudos devem ser direcionados para prevenir estes fatores com a finalidade de diminuir o óbito relacionado a esse vírus. (AU)

Background. Chronic hepatitis B is a major cause of cirrhosis, and the natural history of the disease has several clinical stages that should be thoroughly understood for the implementation of proper treatment. Aim. To describe the clinical course, response to treatment and poor prognostic factors in 247 hepatitis B virus chronic infection patients. Methods. We carried out a retrospective and observational study, by analyzing the medical records of patients between January 2000 and January 2015. Results. Most patients were male (67.2%) and 74.1% were HBeAg negative. Approximately 41% had liver cirrhosis and 8.5% were hepatitis C virus coinfected. The viral load was negative in one year with lamivudine, entecavir and tenofovir in 56%, 75% and 75% of patients, respectively; adverse effects were more frequent with tenofovir. Virological resistance in five years for lamivudine, adefovir and entecavir was 57.5%, 51.8% and 1.9%, respectively. The overall rate of seroconversion was 31.2% for HBeAg and 9.7% for HBsAg. Hepatocellular carcinoma was diagnosed in 9.7% of patients, liver transplantation was performed in 9.7% and overall mortality was 10.5%. Elevations of serum alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.0194) and viral load (p <0.0001) were associated with progression to liver cirrhosis. High viral load was associated with progression to hepatocellular carcinoma (p = 0.0019). Significant risk factors associated with death were elevated alanine aminotransferase (p = 0.0118), liver cirrhosis (p <0.0001) and hepatocellular carcinoma (p = 0.0008). HBeAg positive state was not associated with worse outcomes. Conclusions. Liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma were associated with a worse prognosis and further studies should concentrate on prevention of these factors in order to reduce mortality.(AU)

The prevalence of hepatitis B virus infection markers and socio-demographic risk factors in HIV-infected patients in Southern Brazil

Introduction Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections are two of the world's most important infectious diseases. Our objective was to determine the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) prevalences among adult HIV-infected patients and identify the associations between socio-demographic variables and these HBV infection markers. Methods This study was performed from October 2012 to March 2013. Three hundred HIV-seropositive patients were monitored by the Clinical Analysis Laboratory of Professor Polydoro Ernani de São Thiago University Hospital, Santa Catarina, Brazil. The blood tests included HBsAg, anti-HBc immunoglobulin M (IgM) and total anti-HBc. Patients reported their HIV viral loads and CD4+ T-cell counts using a questionnaire designed to collect sociodemographic data. Results The mean patient age was 44.6 years, the mean CD4 T-cell count was 525/mm3, the mean time since beginning antiretroviral therapy was 7.6 years, and the mean time since HIV diagnosis was 9.6 years. The overall prevalences of HBsAg and total anti-HBc were 2.3% and 29.3%, respectively. Among the individuals analyzed, 0.3% were positive for HBsAg, 27.3% were positive for total anti-HBc, and 2.0% were positive either for HBsAg or total anti-HBc and were classified as chronically HBV-infected. Furthermore, 70.3% of the patients were classified as never having been infected. Male gender, age >40 years and Caucasian ethnicity were associated with an anti-HBc positive test. Conclusions The results showed an intermediate prevalence of HBsAg among the studied patients. Moreover, the associations between the anti-HBc marker and socio-demographic factors suggest a need for HBV immunization among these HIV-positive individuals, who are likely to have HIV/HBV coinfection. .

Análise da prevalência e de fatores de risco para as hepatites virais crônicas B e C em idosos residentes no município de Botucatu-SP / Analysis of the prevalence and risk factors for chronic viral hepatitis B and C in the elderly living in Botucatu -SP

A Organização Mundial de Saúde (OMS) define como idoso todo indivíduo com mais de 60 anos de idade. Atualmente no Brasil os idosos são aproximadamente 15 milhões de pessoas e apesar de viverem mais, apresentam maiores condições crônicas devido ao declínio da maioria das funções orgânicas, inclusive do sistema imunológico, aumentando a susceptibilidade e a maior incidência de doenças infecciosas. As hepatites virais tem distribuição mundial e são doenças infecciosas que apresentam características epidemiológicas, clínicas e laboratoriais distintas. Há uma estimativa de que 350 milhões de pessoas sejam portadores crônicos do vírus da hepatite B (VHB) ao redor do mundo e, embora menos prevalente que a hepatite B, o vírus da hepatite C (VHC) é a causa mais comum de hepatite crônica com cerca de 180 milhões de indivíduos infectados. Embora os conhecimentos a respeito da patogênese, curso e tratamento das hepatites virais crônicas tenham avançado nos últimos anos, há ainda pouco conhecimento sobre seu curso e tratamento na população idosa, especialmente no Brasil, justificando a relevância deste estudo, cujo objetivo geral é avaliar a prevalência de hepatites virais crônicas B e C na população idosa residente no município de Botucatu-SP. Foi realizado com 1029 idosos cadastrados na UNIMED, nas Unidades Básicas de Saúde, Unidades de Saúde da Família, participantes de Centros de Convivência de Terceira Idade e residentes em instituições de longa permanência. Os voluntários, após assinarem o Termo de Consentimento Livre e Esclarecido (TCLE), foram submetidas a testes sorológicos para detecção do Anti-HBs, AgHbs e Anti HBc IgG, onde foram coletados 5ml de sangue através de punção venosa com seringa e agulha descartáveis. Para detecção do anti-VHC foram realizados testes sorológicos digitais (HCV Rapid Test Bioeasy®)...

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines as elderly any person aged over 60 years old. Currently in Brazil the elderly are approximately 15 million people and although they live longer have more chronic conditions due to decline in most physiological functions, including immune system, increasing susceptibility and a higher incidence of infectious diseases. Viral hepatitis has a worldwide distribution and are infectious diseases that present epidemiological, clinical and laboratory differences. It is estimated that 350 million people are chronic carriers of hepatitis B virus (HBV) worldwide and, although less prevalent than hepatitis B, hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common cause of chronic hepatitis with about 180 million infected individuals. While the knowledge about the pathogenesis, course and treatment of chronic viral hepatitis have advanced in recent years, there is still little knowledge about their course and treatment in the elderly population, especially in Brazil, justifying the relevance of this study, whose general objective is to evaluate the prevalence of chronic viral hepatitis B and C in the elderly population living in Botucatu-SP. Was held with 1029 elderly enrolled in Basic Health Units, the Family Health Units, participants of Social Centers for Seniors and residents of long-term institutions. The volunteers, after having signed an informed consent (IC), were submitted for serological tests for the detection of anti-HBs, HBsAg and Anti HBc IgG, where 5 ml of blood were collected by venipuncture with syringe and disposable needle. For detection of anti-HCV digital serological tests were done (HCV Rapid Test Bioeasy®). Mean age was 72.01 years (± 8.19 years). The prevalence of HBsAg positive with elderly was 0,58% and of these, all showed results for HBeAg negative characterizing inactive chronic disease...

Guía de práctica clínica para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hepatitis crónica por el virus de la hepatitis B / Practice guideline for diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis virus hepatitis B

La presente guía establece los criterios técnicos para el diagnóstico y tratamiento de la hepatitis crónica secundaria a hepatitis viral B con la finalidad de contribuir a reducir la morbimortalidad de esta enfermedad. Da las definiciones para comprender las recomendaciones aquí dadas. Descripción de aspectos epidemiológicos, factores de riesgo asociados; aspectos clínicos y de diagnóstico de la hepatitis crónica por virus B. Se dan las recomendaciones de manejo incluyendo circunstancias especiales tales como el paciente con cirrosis, el paciente con coinfección VIH ó con coinfección con hepatitis C. Las recomendaciones aquí mencionadas se convierten en la guía nacional para el manejo de la Hepatitis crónica por hepatitis B.

This guide sets out the technical criteria for the diagnosis and treatment of chronic hepatitis secondary to viral hepatitis B. The guide intend to reduce the morbidity and mortality of this disease. The Guide give practical definitions to help understand the terminology, describe epidemiology, risk factors, and clinical aspects and the diagnosis of chronic hepatitis B. Finally the guide give recommendations for the management including special circumstances such as patients with cirrhosis, patients coinfected with HIV or coinfected with hepatitis C. The recommendations of the guide become the national guide for the management of chronic hepatitis B.

Clinical, demographic and epidemiological characteristics of patients with hepatitis B followed at a university hospital in southeastern Brazil: predominance of HBeAg negative cases / Características clínicas, demográficas e epidemiológicas dos pacientes com hepatite B em seguimento em hospital universitário no sudeste do Brasil: predominância de casos HBeAg negativos

INTRODUCTION: Hepatitis B is common in Brazil, although there are regional differences regarding the degree of endemicity, the most frequent forms of transmission and the presence of different evolutive stages of chronic disease. The present study aimed to determine the clinical, demographic and epidemiological characteristics of patients chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV) residing in the Ribeirão Preto region, southeastern Brazil. METHODS: A total of 529 medical records of individuals with HBV monoinfection were reviewed. RESULTS: More than 60 percent of the subjects were males, with a mean age of 38 years-old. The HBeAg-negative serological pattern was verified in 84.4 percent of the patients, among whom the risk of vertical/intrafamily transmission was 43.2 percent (p = 0.02). The consumption of alcohol in amounts exceeding 20g a day was observed in 21.3 percent of the subjects and was more frequent among men (33 percent) (p < 0.001). Among patients with cirrhosis, 54.1 percent were alcohol abusers (p = 0.04), all of them males. The presence of cirrhosis was more frequent in the HBeAg-positive group (24.4 percent) than in the HBeAg-negative group (10.2 percent) (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: High proportions of HBV-infected subjects with an HBeAg-negative pattern were observed, with a higher risk of vertical/intrafamily transmission. Alcohol abuse was associated with male subjects and with cirrhosis of the liver in this group. A tendency toward an increase in the number of HBeAg-negative cases was observed over time.

INTRODUÇÃO: No Brasil, a hepatite B é comum. No entanto, há diferenças regionais no que diz respeito ao grau de endemicidade, as formas de transmissão mais encontradas e a presença dos diferentes estágios evolutivos da doença crônica. O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de conhecer características clínicas, demográficas e epidemiológicas de pacientes cronicamente infectados pelo vírus da hepatite B (HBV), residentes na região de Ribeirão Preto, no sudeste do Brasil. MÉTODOS: Foi realizada a análise retrospectiva de 529 prontuários de indivíduos com monoinfecção pelo HBV. RESULTADOS: Mais de 60 por cento eram masculinos, a média de idade foi de 38 anos. O padrão sorológico HBeAg negativo foi encontrado em 84,4 por cento dos pacientes, entre os quais o risco para transmissão vertical/intrafamiliar foi de 43,2 por cento (p = 0,02). Verificou-se uso de álcool em quantidades maiores que 20g ao dia em 21,3 por cento dos indivíduos, sendo mais frequente entre os homens (33 por cento) (p < 0,001). Entre os pacientes com cirrose, 54,1 por cento faziam uso abusivo de bebidas alcoólicas (p = 0,04), sendo todos estes do gênero masculino. A presença de cirrose foi maior no grupo HBeAg positivo (24,4 por cento) que no grupo HBeAg negativo (10,2 por cento) (p < 0,001). CONCLUSÕES: Observaram-se elevadas proporções de indivíduos com infecção pelo HBV com padrão sorológico HBeAg negativo, entre os quais houve maior risco para a transmissão vertical/intrafamiliar. O uso abusivo de álcool esteve associado a indivíduos do sexo masculino e, neste grupo, à cirrose hepática. Observou-se tendência ao aumento no número de casos HBeAg negativo ao longo do tempo.

Hepatite crônica B / Chronic hepatitis B

A infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B (VHB) é um importante problema de saúde pública, associado a significante morbidade e mortalidade por doença crônica do fígado. Em pacientes com infecção crônica pelo VHB as lesões hepáticas são imunomediadas, através de citocinas, expressando a tentativa do sistema imune de destruir o agente viral. O ccDNA, entretanto, persiste na célula infectada, caracterizando não haver a cura da infecção viral mesmo quando há evidência sorológica de "clearence viral" e a viremia está indetectável.

Associação de ictiose adquirida, linfoma de Hodgkin e Hepatite B / Combination of acquired ichthyosis, Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hepatitis B

Ictiose adquirida é um distúrbio raro da queratinização, associado a diversas doenças, como neoplasias. Aqui relatamos o caso de uma paciente que se apresentou com ictiose de início recente e no decorrer da investigação foi descoberta hepatite B crônica e linfoma de Hodgkin. Não encontramos relatos da associação destas três entidades na literatura.

Acquired Ichthyosis is a rare disorder of keratinization associated with several diseases such as neoplasias. Here we report the case a patient presenting with ichthyosis of recent onset, and along the investigation chronic hepatitis B and Hodgkin lymphoma were diagnosed. No previous report of the combination of these three entities was found in the literature.

Hepatite crônica B oculta: prevalência e aspectos clínicos em população de elevada endemicidade de infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B na Amazônia Ocidental Brasileira / Occult hepatitis B: prevalence and clinical characteristics in a population with high endemicity of hepatitis B infection in the western Brazilian Amazon region

Recentemente é descrito estado de persistência do vírus da hepatite B denominado hepatite crônica B oculta. Sua prevalência e fisiopatologia são desconhecidas. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a ocorrência dessa entidade clínica em pacientes da Amazônia brasileira. De 51 pacientes anti-HBc total reativos testados pela reação em cadeia da polimerase, 17 por cento foram positivos. Não observamos associação com fatores de risco clássicos de infecção pelo vírus da hepatite B, testes bioquímicos, hematológicos e histopatologia. No entanto, os pacientes ictéricos e reativos para o anti-HIV apresentaram associação com a presença do ADN-vírus da hepatite B. Os resultados demonstram a ocorrência da hepatite crônica B oculta, entre nossos doentes, porém, com taxas de prevalência abaixo do esperado para a região. Acreditamos que, apesar do tamanho da amostra avaliada ser pequeno, sua ocorrência poderia ter sido maior se empregássemos primers para a região S, C e X do genoma do vírus da hepatite B, aumentando a sensibilidade do teste.

A persistent form of the hepatitis B virus called occult chronic hepatitis B has recently been described. Its prevalence and physiopathology are unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the occurrence of this clinical entity among patients in the Brazilian Amazon region. Out of 51 anti-HBc total-positive patients who were tested using the polymerase chain reaction, 17 percent were positive. We did not find any associations with classical risk factors for hepatitis B virus infection or with biochemical tests, hematological tests or histological patterns. However, the jaundiced and HIV-positive patients showed a statistical association with the presence of hepatitis B virus-DNA. The results demonstrated that occult hepatitis B occurred among our patients, but at prevalence rates lower than expected for this region. We believe that despite the small sample size, the occurrence might have been found to be greater if we had used primers for the S, C and X regions of the hepatitis B virus genome, thereby increasing the sensitivity of the test.

História natural da hepatite crônica B: [revisão] / Natural history of chronic hepatitis B: [review]

Estima-se que existam 350 milhões de portadores crônicos do VHB distribuídos ao redor do mundo. Três fases de infecção crônica pelo VHB são reconhecidas: fase de imunotolerância (HBsAg e HBeAg positivos, altos títulos de HBV-DNA, ALT normal e não evidência de doença hepática ativa); fase imunoativa ou de hepatite crônica B (HBsAg e HBeAg positivos, altos títulos de HBV-DNA, ALT elevada e evidência de doença hepática ativa); fase de portador inativo do VHB ou assintomático (HBsAg no soro sem o HBeAg , títulos do HBV-DNA < 10(5) cópias p/ml, ALT normal). Hepatite crônica B é dividida em duas formas maiores: doença HBeAg positiva (VHB tipo selvagem); doença HBeAg negativa (pré-core, core promoter VHB variante). As duas formas podem evoluir para cirrose hepática, descompensação hepática e câncer hepático. A proposta deste artigo foi o de rever os principais aspectos da história natural da hepatite crônica B.

An estimated 350 million people worldwide are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Three phases of chronic hepatitis B virus infection is are recognized: the immune tolerant phase (HBeAg-positive, high levels of serum HBV-DNA, normal ALT, and no evidence of active liver diseases), the immune clearance phase or chronic hepatitis phase (HBeAg-positive, high levels of serum HBV-DNA, elevated ALT, and active liver disease ), and the inactive carrier state or asymptomatic phase (HBsAg-positive in serum without HBeAg, HBV-DNA levels than < 10(5) copies/mL, and normal ALT levels). Chronic hepatitis B is classified into 2 major forms: HBeAg-positive disease (wild-type HBV) and HBeAg negative disease (pre-core/core promoter HBV variant). Both forms can lead to liver cirrhosis, hepatic decompensation and liver cancer. The purpose of this article is to review the principal aspects of natural history of chronic hepatitis B.

Tratamiento de hepatitis C crónica con interferón-alfa pegilado / Treatment of hepatitis C chronic with pegilado interferon-alpha

La hepatitis C crónica es una enfermedad de gran importancia a nivel mundial. La mayoría de las personas infectadas con el virus de hepatitis C desarrollan hepatitis crónica. Tradicionalmente, el tratamiento estándar de esta enfermedad ha sido interferón alfa más ribavirina por 48 semanas, obteniendo una respuesta terapéutica de 41 por ciento al final de 72 semanas de seguimiento. Ahora se propone utilizar la molécula del interferón "pegilado" como terapia alternativa de primera línea junto con la ribavirina, lo cual ha demostrado mejores resultados a corto plazo. Por la relevancia de este tema la presente constituye una revisión de diversos ensayos clínicos e información disponible con el fin de identificar los beneficios con esta nueva propuesta terapéutica para los pacientes protadores de hepatitis C crónica. Se exponen y analizan los resultados obtenidos en 5 estudios y un Consenso de National Institute of Health en el cual se elaboran diversos lineamientos para el tratamiento de esta enfermedad. Palabras clave: Hepatitis C crónica, interferón alfa pegilado, ribavirina, carga viral, respuesta viral sostenida, fibrosis hepática.

Hepatitis crónica viral: diagnóstico, evolución y tratamiento / Cronic viral hepatitis: diagnosis, natural history and treatment

La infección crónica por los virus de la hepatitis B, C y D puede prvocar un proceso necro-inflamatorio hepático persistente y progresivo. La hepatitis crónica viral constituye una de las primeras causas de enfermedad hepática avanzada a nivel mundial. Por lo general asintomátivca, solo se hace clínicamente aparente cuando ya existe cirrosis o sus complicaciones. Se sospecha frecuentemente al detectarse elevación de las transaminasas. La evolucíon es muy variable pero un grupo significativo de pacientes progresan hacia cirrosis y hepatocarcinoma, generalmente en cuestión de décadas. El diagnóstico se basa fundamentalmente en el laboratorio en especial en los marcadores virales, pudiendo ser útiles los hallazgos de la biopsia. El tratamiento aceptado es con interferón que inhibe la replicación viral y reduce la lesión hepática, sin embargo, esto solo sucede en un subgrupo de enfermos, siendo frecuentes las recaídas especialmente en las infecciones provocadas por el virus C. Se están investigando nuevas modalidades terapéuticas entre las cuales destaca el uso de antivirales como los nucleósidos análogos utilizados por lo general combinados con interferón