I have chronic hepatitis B with viral load of 6 million IU/ml. Am I at danger?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am currently diagnosed with chronic hepatitis B. Viral load is 6 million IU/ml, SGPT is 85 and others are in range, and HBeAg is 0.06. Should I start medication? Am I in danger? I am a 30-year-old male. I also have a loss of appetite, gastritis, and bloated stomach. Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, you should definitely start the treatment. But I want you to get a baseline renal function tests and fibroscan of the liver. If renal functions are normal then we can start and continue the treatment at the maximum dose.

You can use tablet Tenofovir 300 mg once daily. If the renal function tests are normal. I would urge you to get a fibroscan and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP). If you are married then please get your wife and children tested.

I want to know about your rest or family like your sibling, mother, and father. Is any family history of hepatitis B? It is important because screening has to be performed in case there is suspicion of vertical transmission (from mother to fetus). You can get the tests and see me afteward to discuss the reports of tests and provide other information related to your family. I may then suggest testing for them.

Lastly, I remember that hepatitis B cannot be completely cured but can be substantially controlled with antiviral medicines. It requires follow up and guidance.