The relationship between serum hepatitis B virus DNA level and liver histology in patients with chronic HBV infection

BackgroundThere is no consensus regarding the relationship between HBV DNA and liver fibrosis, and the relationship between HBV DNA and the degree of liver cirrhosis has not been reported in patients with chronic HBV infection.MethodsFrom January 2011 to December 2016, liver biopsies were performed on 396 patients with chronic hepatitis B and cirrhosis. Assessments of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis were based on the Laennec staging system.ResultsSerum levels of HBV DNA were correlated with fibrosis and cirrhosis (KW = 73.946, P2 = 53.76, PConclusionsDifferent HBV DNA levels had different effects on the formation of fibrosis and sclerosis in liver tissues. HBV DNA levels can predict mild fibrosis and cirrhosis in liver tissue, which is enhanced in HBeAg-positive patients.