Studies on seroconversion from HBeAg to anti-HBe in asymptomatic HBV carrier children

Abstract

The natural course of seroconversion from HBeAg to anti-HBe was investigated for 0.5 to 9 years (average, 3.0 years) in 36 HBeAg positive children with serial examination of s-GPT levels, HBeAg and anti-HBe. Of 29 cases initially positive for HBeAg, 19 had remained HBeAg positive, and 10 eventually lost HBeAg, 9 of whom seroconverted to anti-HBe. In 16 (44.4%) of 36 cases, elevations of s-GPT levels were noted. Of 19 children who had remained HBeAg positive, 5 showed transient, slight elevations of s-GPT levels, whereas apparent elevations of s-GPT levels (>200 Karmen units) were noted in 8 carrier children who lost HBeAg, and after anti-HBe appeared, s-GPT levels were normalized. Seroconversion rate was approximately 5% per year in carrier children.