Clinical and virological features of acute HBV-related hepatitis in southern Vietnam.

BACKGROUND Despite the availability of effective vaccines, hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is still frequent worldwide, and accounts for significant morbidity and mortality. However, data of acute HBeAg negative hepatitis still remain limited. AIMS AND METHODS To understand clinical pictures of acute HBV hepatitis and its natural evolution, a prospective study was conducted in adult patients. RESULTS Ninety patients were enrolled between March 2004 and April 2005 at Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh city. The prevalence of HBeAg negative was 53%. No significant difference was found in clinical characteristics and laboratory findings between HBeAg positive and negative patients. HBV-DNA was detected in 75% and 88% HBe negative and positive patients, respectively, where the frequency of ALT below 400 U/L was significantly higher in HBeAg negative cases (p= 0.01). Six month follow-up was available in 47 patients. HBsAg positivity was found in 16% of HBeAg negative subjects but only in 4.5% of HBeAg positive cases. Thirty two patients had neither HBsAg nor anti-HBs. CONCLUSIONS The clinical laboratory feature and the outcome at 6 months of HBV acute hepatitis in Vietnam is similar in HBeAg positive and negative patients.