Utilizing the association between Hepatitis B viral load and Hepatic failure biomarkers for guided antiviral therapy

Background Hepatitis B virus infection is a global public health problem. Individuals with chronic Hepatitis B are at an increased risk of developing liver cirrhosis, hepatic failure and hepato cellular carcinoma. This study was undertaken in a tertiary care hospital with the aim to measure the Hepatitis B viral DNA and its association with hepatic biochemical markersso as to guide for better clinical management during therapy. Methods and Material: Blood samples from 94 Hepatitis B seropositive patients were collected and tested for HBV viral load by real time PCR.Patients were divided in two categories A & B (A= < 20000 IU/ml and B >20000 IU/ml) as based on the quantification of viral DNA. Biochemical tests were performed for assessing Serum ALT, AST, Platelet count, hemoglobin, Albumin, Bilirubin and Prothrombin time. Results: Total patients in category A (< = 20000 IU/ml) viral load were 51 (54%) Total patients in category B (>20000 IU/ml) were 43.Category B patients with >20000 IU/ml of HBV viral load had elevated levels of SGOT (AST) with statistical significance at P value 0.038. Moreover, Serum albumin and Platelet count were significantly noted on lower side in category B patients at P values 0.03 and 0.02 respectively. Conclusion: Viral load of Hepatitis B varies over time, depending on the phase of theinfection. The findings of this study points at strong correlation between HBV viral load and biochemical markers for hepatic failure.Thus timely and regular viral load monitoring along with hepatic biomarkers is crucial for the treatment of Hepatitis B.