Researchers found that Chinese patients with chronic hepatitis B virus
infection with persistent normal or minimally elevated alanine
aminotransferase more frequently developed liver injury, such as
fibrosis or necroinflammation, and may need increased surveillance
“In this study, we present our analysis of liver histology in a large
cohort of Chinese chronic hepatitis B patients with [persistent normal]
ALT or minimally elevated ALT,” the researchers wrote. “Our analysis was
focused on investigating mechanisms underlying normal or nearly normal
alanine aminotransferase under conditions of liver injury and fibrosis.”
“The fibrosis detected in the late HBeAg or in HBeAg-negative phase was
possibly carried over from an early HBeAg phase, supporting therapeutic
intervention in early HBeAg positive patients, as a priority. Lowering
ALT [upper limit of normal] and increasing the frequency of ALT testing
are recommended for management of patients with transiently elevated
ALT.” – by Melinda Stevens
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Labels: disease progression, normal ALTs