A decline in hepatitis B virus surface antigen (hbsag) predicts clearance, but does not correlate with quantitative hbeag or HBV DNA levels.

Background: The elimination of hepatitis B virus surface antigen (HBsAg) is the final goal of hepatitis B treatment, but is rarely achieved. As quantitative assays for HBsAg recently became available, we have investigated whether quantitative HBsAg measurements can substitute for hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA quantification in treatment monitoring.

Methods: Within this study, 23 liver transplant patients and 18 heart transplant recipients were retrospectively analysed.

Kinetics of hepatitis C viral RNA and HCV-antigen during dialysis sessions: evidence for differential viral load reduction on dialysis.

Hepatitis C infection is a common problem in dialysis units. The prevalence ranges from 3% to more than 50%. Several reports have described a variable reduction of HCV-RNA during hemodialysis treatment sessions.

HBsAg level at time of liver transplantation determines HBsAg decrease and anti-HBs increase and affects HBV DNA decrease during early immunoglobulin administration.

Background/aims: Administration of hepatitis B immunoglobulin (HBIG) initially after liver transplantation of hepatitis B patients is considered important to prevent reinfection reliably. However, dosing schedules differ considerably between centers. We measured HBsAg, anti-HBs and HBV DNA kinetics to create a rational basis for dosing schemes.