Can Viral Load Predict Liver Histology in Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B?

Introduction: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a global public health problem. Serum HBV DNA measurement is a non-invasive test that predicts the liver disease progression. The aim of this study was to determine the HBV DNA level and look for a relation between the HBV DNA level and liver histology. Methods: This was a cross sectional study on chronic hepatitis B infected patients in Tehran Hepatitis Center from 2006 to 2010. Percutaneus liver biopsy was performed in all patients. Patients with a history of any treatment and co-infection of HCV, HDV and HIV were excluded. Results: 301 patients were included in this study. The mean age was 34.63±13.25 years. Mean serum HBV DNA level was 1.35* 108 ± 10.5*109 copies/ml.  Mean inflammatory score (grade) was 5.54±3.26 and fibrosis (stage) was 1.93±1.56. There wasn’t any significant relation between age and sex with liver histology. No significant relation was seen between liver histology and the HBV DNA level. HBe Ag positive patients had a higher serum HBV DNA level. Conclusion: There wasn’t any significant relation between liver histology and the HBV DNA level. We suggest using liver biopsy as a golden standard. In addition we need more studies in this field.