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REVEAL-HBV researchers previously showed that, in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, high HBV DNA level is associated with excess risk for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cirrhosis (JW Gastroenterol Mar 14 2006 and Jun 13 2006). Now, the researchers have followed many of the same patients to determine whether long-term patterns in serum HBV DNA and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels might predict HCC risk.
The present study, conducted in Taiwan between 1991 and 2004, involved 3160 HBV-infected patients who did not have cirrhosis within 6 months of enrollment. Physical examinations and serologic testing were performed at baseline and every 6 to 12 months thereafter. Development of HCC was determined by follow-up ex…