This presentation covers the basics in Hepatitis B & C, and is aimed at primary care physicians who may encounter such patients. It focuses mainly on the natural history, how to diagnose and monitor the disease, and when to refer to a specialist.
9. Immuno Tolerance Phase
• First 10-30 years of perinatally acquired infection
• High DNA levels; normal ALT
• Very low rates of spontaneous or treatment induced
HBeAg seroconversion
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10. Immune Clearance Phase
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HBeAg Anti HBe Seroconversion
Annual rate: 5-15%
High DNA levels
High ALT
• Hepatitis B Flares
– ⅔ HBeAg seroconversion preceded by flares
– ¼ flares followed by HBeAg seroconversion
– Increased risk of cirrhosis
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11. Inactive HBs Carrier State
Immune Control Phase
• HBeAg -, Anti HBe +
• Low DNA levels; normal ALT
• Subsequent outcome dependent on:
– Damage accrued prior to entering inactive carrier state
– Subsequent reactivation
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12. HBeAg - Chronic Hepatitis B
Immune Escape Phase
• HBeAg -, Anti HBe +
• High DNA levels; high ALT
• Associated with pre core or core promoter mutations
that prevent or decrease HBeAg production
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13. Treatment
• Goals
– Suppress viral replication
– Decrease hepatic inflammation and fibrosis
– Prevent progression to cirrhosis and liver cancer
• Who should be treated?
– Not a question of who to treat but when to treat
– All carriers are potential treatment candidates
– Consider for patients in immune active phase
• Need to identify patients in immune active phase!
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22. Role of Primary Care Physician
• Screening for Hepatitis B & C
– At risk persons
– Family members and sexual contacts of patients
– Patients who require chronic steroid treatment
• Initial evaluation and lab tests
• Lifestyle advice
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Avoid transmission
Avoid alcohol, herbal medications
Balanced diet, exercise, healthy BMI
Coffee
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23. Role of Primary Care Physician
• Vaccinate at risk persons for Hepatitis B
• Hepatitis A vaccine if Anti HAV Total negative
• Refer to specialist:
– Immune active phase for treatment
– Abnormal US liver or AFP for possible HCC
– Evaluation of early fibrosis & cancer risk if > 40 years
• Follow up of patients in immune tolerant and
inactive carrier phases
– HCC surveillance: 6 monthly AFP + US liver
– LFT + HBV DNA every 3 – 6 months
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