Hepatitis B Virus DNA levels according to the Child-Pugh stage in patients with cirrhosis

Objective: To compare hepatitis B virus DNA levels according to Child-Pugh stage in patients who developed cirrhosis due to hepatitis B virus. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted as retrospectively. Patients who were newly diagnosed with cirrhosis due to hepatitis B virus infection were included. hepatitis B virus DNA, albumin, bilirubin, and international normalization rate levels were compared according to the Child-Pugh Scores. Results: A total of 90 patients (60 males, 30 females) with a mean age of 52.22±9.42 years were included in this study. Each group consisted of 30 patients. Hepatitis B virus DNA level was significantly lower in the Group A compared with the Group B and C (p=0.031). A significant difference was observed between the groups in terms of Child-Pugh scores, albumin, bilirubin, and international normalization rate levels (all p=0.0001). Albumin levels were lower and international normalization rate levels were higher in the Group B and C (all p<0.05). Ascites and encephalopathy were detected in 42 (%46,7) and 79 (87,8) patients, respectively. Both ascites and encephalopathy were more common in the Group C. Conclusion: Hepatitis B virus DNA level was significantly lower and albumin and bilirubin levels were relatively normal in the early stages of cirrhosis due to hepatitis B virus infection. By contrast, ascites and encephalopathy were more common, bilirubin and international normalization rate levels were elevated, and albumin levels were lower in the later stages (Child-Pugh B and C) of chronic hepatitis B