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Recent evidence suggests that hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA level is associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk (Journal Watch Gastroenterology Mar 14 2006). Now, researchers have evaluated the association between HBV viral load and risk for cirrhosis in patients with chronic HBV infection.
This population-based prospective cohort study involved 23,820 subjects from seven townships in Taiwan; 4155 participants tested positive for hepatitis B surface antigen. The final study cohort included 3582 HBV-positive subjects who were free of HCC, hepatitis C virus infection, and cirrhosis at baseline. Complete histories, physical examinations, laboratory testing, and abdominal ultrasounds were performed at baseline and every 6 to 12 months the…