1Assistant Professor, Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences & Research, Sharda Hospital, Sharda University, Greater Noida
2Professor, Department of Medicine, School of Medical Sciences & Research, Sharda Hospital, Sharda University, Greater Noida
Online published on 4 January, 2017.
Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is quite common in our country. Co-infection with HIV is not uncommon in similar risk population. HIV co-infection may modify the natural history of chronic hepatitis B. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of HIV co-infection on disease activity in chronic hepatitis B in Indian subjects.
A total of 58 subjects were divided into 2 groups [HBV monoinfection (42/58) and HBV-HIV co-infection (16/58)]. Study of various biochemical and histological parameters was carried out in both the groups. Results were analysed by using one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Post Hoc tests.
Mean serum transaminases levels were significantly lower in HBV-HIV co-infection compared to HBV monoinfection, however there was no statistically significant difference in serum bilirubin, serum albumin levels, prolongation of PT, and histological activity index in both the groups.
We conclude that HIV co-infection does not significantly alter the clinical profile of chronic hepatitis B. Serum transaminases though considered as surrogate markers of hepatic parenchymal injury do not always correlate with histopathologic findings and severity of liver disease. All patients of chronic hepatitis B irrespective of their HIV status should undergo liver biopsy for assessment of disease activity and deciding therapy.
Chronic HBV, HIV co-infection, transaminase level, liver biopsy, disease activity
