Frequency of Advanced Liver Fibrosis among Inactive Hepatitis B Virus Carriers: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of advance fibrosis in Hepatitis B virus (HBV) inactive carriers.

Methodology: A cross-sectional study was conducted at the Gastroenterology Outpatient Department (OPD) of AIMS, from September 2020, to March 2021. Adult patients aged 18 to 70 years who had not received previous treatment for HBV, had an HBV viral load of less than 2000 IU, and an SGPT level below 35 U/L were included. HBV inactive carriers were identified by HBV DNA levels below 2000 IU and SGPT under 35 U/L. Advanced liver fibrosis (stage F3 or higher) was assessed using FibroScan, with a median cutoff of 8.2 KPa. Ten liver stiffness readings were averaged for staging. Data were collected using a structured proforma. Data were analyzed with SPSS version 26.

Results: Mean age of the cases was 39.5±6.7 years. In distribution of gender, 86 (68.3%) were male while 40 (31.7%) were female. Advance fibrosis was found in 29 (23%) patients, with most cases clustered in severe stages—F3 and F4—representing nearly 76% of those affected. Advanced fibrosis was more common in those over 40 years and in males, though gender and Diabetes showed a statistically significant association (p <0.05), while obesity and age group showed no significant associations (p >0.05)

Conclusion: Advanced fibrosis was observed to be relatively less prevalent among HBV inactive carriers. Its association with male gender and diabetes indicates that specific subgroups may still be at increased risk.