High HBV DNA Level Is a Risk Factor for Hepatocellular Carcinoma

HBV DNA levels ≥10,000 copies/mL are associated with development of HCC.

Worldwide, 350 million people are chronically infected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Chronic infection can lead not only to cirrhosis, but also to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Risk factors for developing HCC include seropositivity for HB surface-antigen or HB e-antigen (HBeAg) and presence of cirrhosis. Whether HBV DNA level is associated with HCC development is less clear.

In this prospective cohort study, 3653 HBV-positive participants (age range, 30–65) were recruited from seven Taiwanese townships in 1991 and 1992; subjects underwent baseline medical interviews, physical examinations, laboratory testing, and abdominal ultrasounds. Thereafter, subjects received routine follow-up as indicated until June 2004. Most of the subjects were m…

Reviewing Author

Atif Zaman, MD, MPH