
Should I Take Interferon Therapy Despite Negative HBsAg Test?

Question: I HAVE BEEN SUFFERING FROM CHRONIC HEPATITIS B. I HAVE TAKEN 72 DOSES OF INTERFERON IN THE YEAR 2000.TILL SIX MONTHS BEFORE THE HBSAG RESULT WAS POSITIVE. BUT RECENTLY I HAVE SEEN THAT THE RESULT HAS BECOME TO BE NEGATIVE.NOW I WOULD LIKE ASK 1. SHALL I NEED FURTHER TREATMENT ? 2. SHALL I HAVE TO MAKE SOME TESTS TO MAKE SURE ? 3. IS THERE ANY POSSIBILITY OF LIVER CEROCIS OR LIVER CANCER FROM THIS STAGE ?
Brief Answer:
Inferon can be discontinued since HBsAg is clear.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
A seroconversion of a positive HBsAg test to negative HBsAg test suggests that the hepatitis B infection or the hepatitis B virus is eliminated.
The infection has responded well to the interferon therapy.
The interferon can be discontinued.
If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Inferon can be discontinued since HBsAg is clear.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
A seroconversion of a positive HBsAg test to negative HBsAg test suggests that the hepatitis B infection or the hepatitis B virus is eliminated.
The infection has responded well to the interferon therapy.
The interferon can be discontinued.
If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer.
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D


I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW IS THERE ANY RISK OF HAVING CANCER OR CEROCIS ? CAN I LIVE A NORMAL LIFE NOW ? CAN MY WIFE BE INFECTED FROM ME THROUGH SEXUAL RELATION ? CAN MY CHILDREN BEAR THE SAME DISEASE BIRTH ?
Brief Answer:
Wife needs to be tested for HBsAg.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
The hepatitis B infection can spread by the sexual route.
In order to know the hepatitis B status of your wife, test for HBsAg needs to be done.
If she is un-reactive or negative, nothing to worry.
But if she is reactive or positive, there is substantial risk of transmitting the infection to children during birth.
Hepatitis B infection is known risk factor for cirrhosis and liver cancer, however, if the infection clears away, no such risk remains.
Cirrhosis and liver cancer develop in people who are chronically infected with hepatitis infection.
Since, you are free of infection, you are free from the risk of cirrhosis and cancer for all practical purposes.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Wife needs to be tested for HBsAg.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
The hepatitis B infection can spread by the sexual route.
In order to know the hepatitis B status of your wife, test for HBsAg needs to be done.
If she is un-reactive or negative, nothing to worry.
But if she is reactive or positive, there is substantial risk of transmitting the infection to children during birth.
Hepatitis B infection is known risk factor for cirrhosis and liver cancer, however, if the infection clears away, no such risk remains.
Cirrhosis and liver cancer develop in people who are chronically infected with hepatitis infection.
Since, you are free of infection, you are free from the risk of cirrhosis and cancer for all practical purposes.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T


I HAVE ALSO SUFFERED FROM CHRONIC HEPATITIS B SO IS THERE ANY CHANCE OF HAVING CANCER OR CHIRROCIS ?
Brief Answer:
No risk since infection is clear.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
The chances of cirrhosis and liver cancer are present in individuals who have persistent infection.
The risk is practically nil if infection clears away as in your case.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
No risk since infection is clear.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
The chances of cirrhosis and liver cancer are present in individuals who have persistent infection.
The risk is practically nil if infection clears away as in your case.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj

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