Relationship between HBV-DNA viral load and transaminase enzymes in hepatitis B patients in a low setting area

Introduction: Chronic hepatitis B is still an infectious disease that is a major problem in Asia. The success of antiviral therapy against hepatitis B infection has been widely supported by very sensitive laboratory tests to monitor hepatitis B virus (HBV)-DNA. However, in developing countries like Indonesia, the measurement of HBV-DNA level is still a challenge. Apart from limited access, a limited health insurance system contributes to this obstacle. Potential markers are transaminase enzymes (ALT and AST) although not all studies show a strong association. This study aims to analyze the relationship between HBV-DNA viral load and transaminase enzymes (ALT and AST) in hepatitis B patients in a low setting area. Methods: This study was funded by Deputi Bidang Penguatan Riset dan Pengembangan, Kemenristek/BRIN. This study using observational research with secondary data from January to November 2020 in hepatitis B patients at Dr. Sardjito Hospital. This study has been approved by the Committee of Ethics Committee of the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health and Nursing (FK-KMK), Universitas Gadjah Mada. Results: The subjects of this study were 139 hepatitis B patients. The median of HBV-DNA level was 4.56 log IU/mL (0.84–8.20 IU/ mL). The median ALT and AST levels were 41.0 U/L (6.0–1041.0 U/L) and 43.0 U/L (13.0–1058.0 U/L), respectively. Correlation analysis showed that there was a weak but statistically significant relationship between HBV-DNA and both ALT and AST levels (r = 0.383; p < 0.01; r = 0.334; p < 0.01). Conclusions: This study demonstrates the possibility of using transaminase enzymes to monitor hepatitis B patients in a low setting area. © The Korean Association of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery.