Synergism of chronic alcoholism and hepatitis B infection in liver disease

J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 1989 Jan-Feb;4(1):11-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.1989.tb00801.x.

Abstract

One hundred and fifty-seven patients with alcoholic liver disease were studied. Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) was positive in 20.4% of the patients. Those who were positive for the HBsAg presented at an earlier age, had a lower albumin level, a higher globulin level, a more prolonged prothrombin time, were more likely to have features of cirrhosis in the liver biopsy, and were probably more likely to suffer from hepatic encephalopathy in the follow-up compared with those negative for HBsAg. The mortality of subjects was low both on admission and during follow-up. It is concluded that chronic alcoholism and hepatitis B virus infection act synergistically in producing more severe liver damage and causing cirrhosis at a younger age compared with chronic alcoholism alone. One possible reason for the low mortality of the patients might have been their relatively good nutritional status.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Hepatitis B / complications*
  • Hepatitis B / mortality
  • Hepatitis B / pathology
  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens / analysis*
  • Hong Kong / epidemiology
  • Humans
  • Liver / pathology
  • Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / complications*
  • Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / mortality
  • Liver Diseases, Alcoholic / pathology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged

Substances

  • Hepatitis B Surface Antigens