A CASE OF HBeAg POSITIVE CHRONIC TYPE B HEPATITIS WHICH WAS NOT SUCCESSFUL WITH STEROID REBOUND THERAPY BUT WAS OCCURRED SEROCONVERTION OF HBeAg TO ANTI-HBe AFTER ADMINISTRATION OF INTERFERON (IFN)

Abstract

A 36-year-old male patient with HB_eAg positive chronic type B hepatitis was hospitalized due to general fatigue. Laboratory findings were as follows : GOT 381KU, GPT 227KU, γ-Glob 18.7 %, IgG 1891 mg/dl. He was diagnosed as chronic active hepatitis by laparoscopic examination, and steroid rebound therapy was performed. After 12 months, seroconversion was not found and serum transaminase elevated to 349 KU and 263 KU. Interferon was administerd for 28 days. Successfull seroconversion of HB_eAg to anti-HB_eoccurred and liver dysfunction ceased. We have treated 32 patients with HB_eAg positive chronic type B hepatitis with steroid rebound therapy; 19 (59.4 %) of 32 patients became seronegative for HBe Ag and 10 (31.3 %) seroconverted to anti-HB_eAb. The period of seronegativity or seroconversion were all within 12 months after treatment and this figure remained unchanged even after 12 months. We suggest another treatment such as administration of IFN to HB_eAg positive hepatitis when HB_eAg are still positive 12 months after steroid rebound therapy.