Predictors of eligibility for reimbursement of antiviral treatment in HBe-Ag negative chronic hepatitis B patients with high ALT levels

Background/Aim: A liver biopsy is required for the reimbursement of antiviral therapy in Hepatitis B e-antigen (HBe-Ag) negative chronic hepatitis patients. Liver an invasive procedure with potential complications, such as bleeding, pain, pneumothorax, and even death. The study aimed to evaluate simple non-invasive parameters that may help predict histological criteria would be eligible treatment reimbursement.
 Methods: HBeAg-negative patients alanine transaminase (ALT) levels > upper normal limit (40 IU/L) HBV DNA viral load 2000 IU/ml who underwent were enrolled this retrospective cohort study. ALT, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) values, virus (HBV) levels, platelet count, hepato-steatosis grade based on ultrasonography used eligibility reimbursement. Eligibility regarding defined by National Social Security Institution activity index (HAI) score ≥ 6 and/or fibrosis 2 according Ishak’s scoring system.
 Results: One hundred fifteen included study; 79 (68.7%) male. mean age was 46.51 (11.39). Sixty-two (53.9%) had a 2, 80 (69.6%) HAI 6. Ninety-two (80%) fulfilled Multivariate analysis revealed count independent predictors cut-off point 198 x 109 /L predicting Conclusion: Most (92/115, 80%) high ALT Platelet terms findings.