Basal core promoter T1762/A1764 and precore A1896 gene mutations in hepatitis B surface antigen-positive hepatocellular carcinoma: a comparison with chronic carriers.

Background: Chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and specific viral factors have been identified that may increase the risk for HCC development. However, the differences in these viral factors in chronic carriers who seldom develop HCC compared with HCC patients have not been adequately evaluated.

Methods: From 1989 to 2005, 101 hepatitis B surface antigen-positive patients presented to our clinic with HCC.

The emerging importance of chronic hepatitis C infection in Asian Americans.

Objectives: To study the demographics, epidemiology, and natural history of chronic hepatitis C in Asian Americans.

Methods: This retrospective survey describes 260 Asian Americans with chronic hepatitis C referred to one tertiary center.

Results: Ninety-two percent of patients were born in Asia.

Precore/basal core promoter mutants and hepatitis B viral DNA levels as predictors for liver deaths and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Aim: To conduct a retrospective study in 400 chronic hepatitis B patients in order to identify hepatitis B viral factors associated with complications of liver disease or development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods: The mean follow-up time was 83.6+/-39.