Is hepatitis B cured, and is there ongoing monitoring?
I have had hepatitis B for 50 years.
Recently, my second test results showed GOT 28, GPT 38, hepatitis B surface antigen at 0.33 (-), hepatitis C virus antibody at 0.03 (-), and alpha-fetoprotein at 2.05.
Does this mean my hepatitis B is considered cured? Do I still need to follow up regularly every six months? Thank you.
Yuan, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2019/09/20
Dr. Chen Shidian reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
If HBsAb (Hepatitis B surface antibody) is positive and there is no cirrhosis or fibrosis, it can be considered as self-healing.
Reply Date: 2019/09/20
More Info
Hepatitis B is a viral infection that affects the liver and can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. The question of whether Hepatitis B can be considered "cured" is nuanced and depends on several factors, including the presence of specific serological markers and the patient's overall liver health.
In your case, the serological results indicate that your Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) is negative (0.33), which suggests that you are no longer actively infected with the virus. Additionally, the absence of Hepatitis C virus antibodies (0.03) indicates that you do not have a concurrent Hepatitis C infection. The alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) level of 2.05 is within the normal range, which is a good sign as elevated AFP can be a marker for liver cancer, particularly in patients with a history of Hepatitis B.
The combination of a negative HBsAg and the presence of Hepatitis B core antibody (anti-HBc) typically suggests that you have either cleared the virus naturally or have achieved a functional cure through antiviral therapy. A functional cure means that the virus is not actively replicating, and you have developed immunity against it, but it does not necessarily mean that the virus is completely eradicated from the body. In some cases, the virus can remain dormant in the liver, and there is a potential risk for reactivation, especially if the immune system is compromised.
Regarding follow-up care, it is indeed advisable to continue regular monitoring even after achieving a negative HBsAg status. The recommendation for follow-up every six months is standard practice, especially for individuals with a history of chronic Hepatitis B. This monitoring typically includes liver function tests (such as GOT and GPT), AFP levels, and possibly imaging studies like ultrasound to assess liver health and screen for any signs of liver cancer or cirrhosis.
The rationale behind continued monitoring is to ensure that any potential complications, such as liver fibrosis or hepatocellular carcinoma, are detected early. Even if you are currently considered "cured," there may still be underlying liver damage from past infections that could lead to complications later in life.
In summary, based on your serological results, it appears that you have achieved a functional cure for Hepatitis B. However, it is crucial to adhere to the recommended follow-up schedule to monitor your liver health and ensure that any potential issues are addressed promptly. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding alcohol, and being cautious with medications that can affect liver function are also important aspects of ongoing care. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and management based on your specific health status.
Similar Q&A
Understanding Hepatitis B Recovery: Why Ongoing Monitoring is Essential
Doctor, I previously had the following test results: HBsAg(-), HBeAg(-), HBcIgG(+). Today, I followed up on my hepatitis B and paid out of pocket for the HBsAb antibody test, which came back positive (399). Other tests for AFP, ALT, and AST were also normal. I initially thought I...
Dr. Lin Minghui reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: HBsAg(-) HBsAb(+) HBcIgG(+) indicates a past infection with hepatitis B, and the individual has now cleared the infection and has antibodies to protect against hepatitis B. However, if someone was a long-term hepatitis B carrier, regardless of whether they have achieved fu...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B Recovery: Why Ongoing Monitoring is Essential
Understanding Hepatitis B: Interferon Treatment Options and Effectiveness
Hello, doctor: My mother is a carrier of hepatitis B, but I was vaccinated at birth and have consistently tested positive for antibodies while being a carrier myself, so I haven't paid much attention to it. Recently, when I tried to donate blood, I tested positive for hepati...
Dr. Hong Yuanbin reply Internal Medicine
Hello, currently hepatitis B cannot be cured; however, hepatitis C can be cured. Many medications for hepatitis B are under development, and it is believed that in the foreseeable future, hepatitis B may also be curable. Currently, treatment for hepatitis B is typically offered t...[Read More] Understanding Hepatitis B: Interferon Treatment Options and Effectiveness
Can Chronic Hepatitis B Be Cured? Treatment Options and Costs Explained
Hello Doctor: I am a carrier of hepatitis B and have been for several years. I undergo regular health check-ups every year, and for the past three years, my liver function index (ALT) has been between 70-80. My serum markers for liver cancer have been within normal ranges. Given ...
Dr. Li Xuanshu reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello! Currently, there are no medications available that can completely eradicate hepatitis B. Additionally, these treatments are not covered by health insurance. Your condition only requires regular monitoring, and there is no need for medication treatment.[Read More] Can Chronic Hepatitis B Be Cured? Treatment Options and Costs Explained
Seeking Follow-Up Care for Hepatitis B: Recommendations Needed
Hello, I was hospitalized for ten days at San Chong Hospital last March due to acute hepatitis (at that time, blood tests revealed I had hepatitis B, with liver function indices around 3740, and I exhibited symptoms of jaundice. I was treated with Hepa-Boost, and by the tenth day...
Dr. Yang Peizhen reply Gastroenterology and Hepatology
Hello: The principles for treating hepatitis B with Gan An are as follows: If the e-antigen is positive, continue treatment until the e-antigen turns negative (confirmed by two consecutive tests), and then continue for an additional three months, but not exceeding one year. If af...[Read More] Seeking Follow-Up Care for Hepatitis B: Recommendations Needed
Related FAQ
(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Hepatitis B Screening(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Hepatitis B Medication(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Hepatitis B Vaccine(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Hepatitis B Antibodies(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Hepatitis B Transmission(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Hepatitis C(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Jaundice(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Liver Fibrosis(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)
Health Check-Up Report(Gastroenterology and Hepatology)