Patient's question:
I have hepatitis B with a high viral load (HBV-DNA 1.11710^6) and abnormal liver function (ALT 227, AST 188, GGT 79). I have already started treatment to lower my enzyme levels.In April 2004, after anesthesia and antiviral medication, my HBV-DNA was 2.110^6. Since then, I have not received any treatment, only adjusting my mood, lifestyle, diet, and activity. Over the past three years, both ALT and AST have decreased. Recently, I was admitted to the hospital and began treatment again.
Considering that the first priority is to lower the ALT levels, followed by stopping antiviral treatment, and then strictly controlling the condition for a period before preparing further based on the situation. What do you think? Please advise the experts.
Doctor's answer:
According to your situation, the current diagnosis is viral hepatitis, type B, chronic. The hepatitis B virus can cause damage to liver cells, thereby interfering with liver function, leading to elevated transaminases (ALT, AST) and bilirubin. In other words, the hepatitis B virus is the cause of this disease, and antiviral treatment is aimed at the cause, which is treating the root of the problem. Enzyme treatment is symptomatic treatment, just treating the symptoms. The recent HBV-DNA 2.110^6 indicates a relatively high viral load, and antiviral treatment is necessary. It is recommended to focus on antiviral treatment while also implementing quality plans such as enzyme reduction, jaundice treatment, and liver protection. This condition, known as "," is not easily resolved.